Why do we need laws?

What would life be like for us if we had no government,
or if there were no laws or rules to live by?

Laws apply to everyone equally. 

 Laws make things fair for all groups of people.  Laws are not different or special for any one group.  It does not matter what race, religion, age, or sex you are, nor how much money you make. Laws protect everyone.  Local laws are made for the good of all of the people in our community. New York's state laws protect the citizens of New York and people who are visiting in our state. Local and state laws must agree with each other, and our national laws.

A community needs laws.

Laws are used to protect the rights of individuals and to govern its citizens. These laws may be made by representatives who have been elected, or chosen, by the majority of the people. Sometimes laws are voted on by all of the citizens of the state or community in a referendum. No matter how the law was made, it is important to make sure the laws are fair and are applied fairly to everyone.  That is the job of the government.  If a law is not fair it may be changed.  

If there were no laws our lives would be very different.

Without laws we would live in fear. The biggest, strongest, or most powerful person or group of people would be in control of our society. Good laws keep us safe and healthy.  They protect all of the citizens in our community.

People who break laws are punished.

It is important that laws are enforced, or carried out.  If  a person is accused of breaking a law or committing a crime, that person has the right to be protected until there has been a fair hearing or trial.  If a person has committed a crime or  broken the law, there will be consequences.  These may include having privileges taken away, paying a fine or being put into prison