M05 Insurance Law Text - Ch 1

The body of general rules which governs and controls the behaviour of people in the country or state we live in

Always backed by sanctions - penalty or adverse consequence for breaking them. Some laws, particularly criminal law is based on morality

Some law, particularly criminal law - is based on morality (they reflect on the feelings of the community as to right and wrong. Much of the law is simply to regulate the economy and to insure life in general is orderly and civilised.

Exist for the sake of economic efficiency

Exist in the interest of safety rather than morality

Ensure that commerce functions smoothly and according to principles which are clear and well understood.

There must be mechanisms to enforce law, otherwise they may be ignored and lead to disorder and confusion. Legal systems have created systems for bringing justice.

Law and legal systems vary from one state to another

Applies to England and Wales - also generally Northern Ireland.

Has different origins from those of English Law. It is more akin to the legal systems in some continental countries, and like them, based on Roman Law

Have been governed together for over 300 years. Most legislation enacted by UK Parliament applies to both countries. Therefore the systems have much in common, although their terminology varies.

One of the major legal systems in the world. Its been adopted by many countries including the US and most old Commonwealth countries, including part of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many states in Africa and Far East.

Based on the laws of ancient Rome

Concerned with the legal structure of the state and the relationships between the state and individual members of the community. It also governs the relationship between one state and another. Includes Constitutional law, administrative law and criminal law.

Concerned with the structure of the main institutions of government and their relationship to each other, including the relationship between the two houses of parliament in the UK, and that between central and local government. It also includes; the making of treaties with foreign states and that status, function and powers of:

• the Monarch,
• Members of Parliament,
• Government Ministers,
• the Judiciary,
• the Civil Service and
• the Armed Forces.

Public law.