The United States legal system is very convoluted. The laws are separated into divisions, which include common law, treaties, administrative regulations and decisions, statues, executive orders and constitutions. Laws are important to the operation of business and society, as laws are enforced to protect businesses and society through rules of conduct, ethical standards, promoting economic growth through free trade, protecting the environment, checking government power, promoting social justice and promoting personal freedoms. (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers and Langvardt 12th ed.) If a country had no laws, society would crumble, businesses would run poorly, if at all, and the collapse of commerce would be eminent. The following explains the role of laws in relation to business and society and how when all are compiled how they work hand-in-hand to keep business and society flowing smoothly under their enforcement.
Constitutions
The overriding law is called a constitution. The fundamental principles of state and/or federal governments are established at this level. The different branches of the government are created through constitutions. These constitutions deny and grant various powers to the branches by preventing units of the government from approving particular laws, especially laws that limit the rights of individuals.
Statutes and Common Law
Statutes are laws which are passed by elected officials, aka representatives, of the government’s legislative branch. Administrative regulations are analogous to statutes and these are passed by administrative agencies not governmental officials who are elected, representatives. The role of the Common law is rooted by previous decisions made by co ...