ABSTRACT
Talcott Parsons (1966) informs sociologists that social institutions are functionally related and develop dependent and interactive dynamics. Hence, the manner in which the legal system interacts with the family system ultimately operates to preserve predominantly held values in the society. From Parsons’ interpretation of the sociological perspective also, it is understood that the legal system is a manifestation of what Parsons deems to broadly identify as the “religious” institution. As such, the legal system performs the function of rationalizing and justifying the existing political order. In other words, the religious institution includes any organization which helps to promote a feeling of unity, solidarity, patriotism, altruism and brotherhood. This function is important because in encouraging such feelings, the society thereby accepts the existing social order as just. This means that the edicts of any such organization are considered right and binding upon the individual. For the purposes of this discussion, then, if a participant in the legal system goes to it for grievance redress and the result as pertains to that participant is negative, that verdict is still accepted as right. The faith in the process and product of the legal system is unshaken-as long as the values and principles being espoused are still accepted as uncontrovertible.
