Although law is used in everyday language, the definition used by scholars is important. Neubauer and Meinhold (2013) define law as a body of rule enacted by public officials, in a legitimate manner and backed by the force of the state. Break down this definition into its four elements and explain the importance of each element

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The first element – law is a body of rules – is self-evident. What is not obvious, but is important, is the variety of sources of law including statutes, constitutions, court decisions, and administrative regulations. The second element – law is enacted by public officials – is of critical importance. Rules and regulations are only law under our definition if they are recognized by public officials. The third element – law is enacted in a legitimate manner – means that it must be agreed upon ahead of time how the rules will be changed including methods for passing, applying, and interpreting new laws. The fourth and final element – law is backed by the force of the state – says that these rule and regulations would be largely meaningless without sanctions. The consequences are what set law apart from other social rules.