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SCL1501 ASSIGNMENT 1 S2 2024
, QUESTION 1
Explain the concept of ‘law” and thereby show how it is different from other social
rules or norms.
The law is the system of legal rules recognised and enforced by the state to control
human behaviour. These rules (laws) are designed to regulate actions that are
carried out by human beings with regards to society and the environment.
Citizens are expected to fulfil certain duties that are set out by the state such as
paying taxes and failure to carry out such a duty will result in legal repercussions /
criminal sanctions and the state deeming one as uncooperative, whereas social
norms such as being expected to help out at home may get you in trouble but not
with the law. This brings forth the difference between social norms and the law, the
law expects you to carry out such duties that will classify you as a citizen.
QUESTION 2
2.1 “State” is a non-physical entity, an abstract notion or phenomenon created by
citizens through their deemed agreement (i.e. social contract).
(a) In the light of the above statement, explain the concept “state” fully, and
say why the agreement by citizens in this regard is said to be “deemed.”
"State" is defined as a non-physical entity or an abstract phenomenon that is
constructed by citizens through a social contract that is based on citizens assigning
their very existence, the existence of resources, and the proposed authority within
this social contract. The proposed government is given power by citizens to take
care of the citizens in various ways, such as promulgating laws and economic
activities. The state actively needs human beings to act on its behalf.
The term "social contract" usually refers to a situation where people have voluntarily
come together and decided to follow a set of rules that will organize their lives and
make them feel safe, secure, and sure. Here is where a state of "rule of law" comes
