Different Types of Laws in Societies
A law is a set of rules that can be enforced through different institutions. There are local, state, and federal laws in the United States and they can differ greatly. Laws in one state can be different from its neighboring state and can result in confusion or even arrest from visitors. This is why it is important to acquaint yourself with the laws of a state or country before visiting, so that you don’t find yourself on the wrong side. The reason for this is because of differences in views in regards to the law, and how different territories can enforce them. Federal laws govern all those that are in that nation regardless of the state they are in, and are enforced very harshly. Those found guilty of violating a federal law end up with a severe punishment and/or fines. After these laws come the state laws, that are set to promote the views and morals of that state. Under law, one of the most varying details in law is the BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) that is considered to be the legal limit for drivers. Another one can be the fact that one state allows the sale of one alcohol of a high proof, while the one next to it considers that item illegal. Citizens of a state near the border of another, or perhaps that travel on a regular basis to the other state, should educate themselves as to the state laws of both states to prevent a major issue. Then there are the local laws that cities and towns can enforce as their own. These laws can pertain to actions, things permitted, etc.. within the jurisdiction of that city or town’s boundaries. This goes to show you that when in a city in the United States, you may be subject to respect the laws of that specific city, that state, and the country.
One of the most commonly talked about laws in today’s society is immigration law. Now this pertains to how the government will change the laws in accordance to illegal immigrants that reside in the U.S. today, but this is not what we’re referring to. Sure, it is a law of great importance and its outcome will most likely divide the country when it is finally put into effect, but we recognize this as the only immigration law. People tend to forget the hundreds of laws there for immigration into the U.S. and out of it for residents, citizens, and visitors. Immigration laws pertain to any of these, and there are many and are extremely complicated. Let’s take visitors for instance, there are laws that grand visas to these people and give them a period of time during which they can remain in the country. There are laws stating the things they are eligible to do while in this country, as well as perhaps where they can go, depending on the visa granted. For residents and citizens, they face laws that prevent them from bringing certain things into the country (these also pertain to visitors). The most obvious example is drugs, including both illegal ones and prescription ones that could be considered illegal in the United States. But the laws we’re referring to are those preventing them from bringing certain food products, animals, or plants into the country. The main reason for these is to prevent the spread of disease from one nation to the other. These type of laws differ in context for different nations as well, with certain indications depending what country you’re returning from. There are even immigration laws that determine the type of visa a person can receive, if any, due to the nation they are traveling from (meaning visitors). Immigration laws can be tricky and evolve almost every year.
The most obvious of laws which vary greatly by any jurisdiction are criminal laws. Criminal laws are set to determine what actions are considered or found to be a crime committed. The content and punishment for these laws are very different and can fluctuate from a slap on the wrist to execution. These laws include such things as : murder, robbery, kidnapping, assault, etc.. Criminal laws are set to protect citizens of any city, state, or nation from wrongdoing. They are also there to enforce correct conduct and punish those responsible for breaking the laws to the fullest extent. Most people familiarize themselves with criminal law, not necessarily from personal experience, or that of a known person, but publicly. Laws pertaining to crime are often discussed in more than half of media reports on television, newspapers, and internet. It is one of the most popular topics in the news, and due to the high rate of occurrences, it is normal to hear of the charge and outcome of a criminal law. If the actual occurrences aren’t enough, there are plenty of television shows that have come to be known as “crime shows”. These shows usually depict a law enforcement agency and or court room and deal with various crimes. Through these shows people tend to learn about different crimes and laws broken, and how they are punishable where they take place.
There are a countless number of laws that exist in the United States today, some that are old and fundamental, and some that are old and should be disregarded but still happen to exist. Because so many laws needed to be created to promote a well functional and safe society, many laws were created. Their validity today can be challenged due to them being outdated, yet on written paper they exist and can still be enforced. There are many unusual laws that are still in effect today that puzzle people when they look them up on record. An example of such these laws is a law in Florida stating that it is illegal to sell your children. This is a very well known fact ( even though some people still try it, so it must remain in effect), however the law is there. Most of these laws now serve as a form of entertainment for people looking for humor in facts, but are still laws.
Laws have helped structure our nation greatly, and continue to improve the societies which they protect and govern effectively. The number of laws in existence will fluctuate in abolishing old useless ones, and new ones created to adapt to our ever changing society.