Law for Society: Nature, Functions, and Limits offers an illuminating conceptual framework that looks at five basic legal instruments with which the law addresses the problems and goals of society. For any Introduction to Law course or as secondary reading in political science, criminal justice, or general studies, Law for Society breaks down the very concept of "law" to answer the questions: What is law? How does law work? What can law do and not do? the book addresses the nature of law, its problem-solving functions, And The limits on what law can accomplish. Law for Society: Nature, Functions, and Limits features: A consistent social theme that provides context and insight High-interest cases and central legal writings that highlight the nature and responsiveness of the legal process and legal reasoning A General Introduction that sets out the meaning of law and methods of studying it Detailed explanations of the "means" of law remedying grievances punishing wrongs administering the regulatory state conferring public benefits facilitating private arrangements Systematic coverage of each of the five legal instruments that includes legal methods sources and applications of law roles of citizens and lawyers possibilities for improved effectiveness limitations of the law Illustration of the "ends" of law with compelling deployments of the five instruments against particular social problems promoting safety promoting equality The Constitution of the United States, For convenient reference, In the appendix