ABSTRACT
Deciding to study law is a big step – you know many challenges lie ahead but the first is to get your head around what the law is designed to do.
The law exists to regulate behaviour. As a society, we would like to instil good values and beliefs in all of those around us. But what happens when someone does not follow those values or beliefs? Do we simply say that this person is to be shunned, or do we need to go further and impose some sort of punishment upon them, perhaps a restriction on their liberty or by imposing a fine on them? When do we know which form of punishment to use or indeed, if one is suitable at all? It is only by understanding how the law has developed over the years and by questioning the current state of the law that you will start to develop an appreciation of what the law is about and of course how to apply it. If you do not take the time to think about these issues, you may find that you are lost throughout your studies and constantly trying to play catch up.
