Enriching the Law

Abstract

What is the law other than a collection of rules intended to guide human coexistence and to govern society? Some of society's rules derive from an earnest desire to improve the lot of the public. Others simply atempt to constrain antisocial behaviour or codify exixting customs, some good, some bad. So in a few modern Muslim societies, ancient rules about the proper form ofdress for women are enforced as strictly as those intended to prevent and punish criminal behaviour. And until quite recently, although not imposed so strictly, similar customs applied here: wearing of hats in Church, medieval dress for nuns and 17th century wigs and gowns in court. Other laws regulate without a moral imperative: traffic regulations and limits on noise spring to mind. Some laws attempt to control commerce and are a mix of the regulatory and moral.