Law is described as a body of rules for guidance of human conduct which is imposed upon and enforced among the citizens of the state. Discuss

Law is described as a body of rules for guidance of human conduct which is imposed upon and enforced among the citizens of the state. Discuss

ANSWER

• This exposition of the term law captures its essential ingredients, namely that it is a body of rules for the guidance of human conduct and is enforceable.
• Law is an aggregate or conglomeration of rules enforced by courts of law.
• According to Salmond, law consists of a body of principles recognised and applied by the state in the administration of justice.
• It is generally true to assert that law regulate human conduct. It has been defined as a set of binding rules of human conduct, prescribed by human beings for the obedience of human beings.
• However, whereas law may be imposed on the citizens, this is not always the case. Law may be a product of the people. But Marxist postulate the theory that law serves the interests of the dorminant classes in society. According to Austin, law consist of commands of a superior who has power to impose sanctions for compliance. Law has also been defined as a coercive instrument for regulating social behaviour. Arguably, law may be imposed on the citizenry.
• The assertion that law is enforceable is true and correct as this distinguishes rules of law  from other norms.
• In our view, this statement is a general description of the term law.