Law and morality, being interconnected, regulate the order of relations between all members of human society.
Law is, in fact, the technical norms of human behavior, which are determined by the laws of the state.
Morality is the social and moral norms of human behavior that encompass the sphere of relationships between people.
The correlation of morality and law is one of the main problems of any society.
The implementation of legal norms is controlled by a special state apparatus, and the observance of moral norms and rules is controlled by public opinion.
The golden rule of the universal content of morality is best expressed by the well-known truth: "Do with people as you want them to do with you."
In ancient times, the concepts of “law” and “morality” were almost identical. Law obedience was considered the highest virtue. In the Middle Ages, the words “law” and “morality” are no longer synonymous. The era of the formation of a system of law that is quite autonomous from moral principles has begun. But the criterion for the correctness of both laws and moral principles was one - compliance with God's Law.
Law and morality do not appear from outside, they are products of the development of society, society. The correlation of morality and law is rather complicated. Between them there is a close relationship, which has the following components:
- unity;
- interaction;
- differences;
- contradictions.
Unity: both concepts carry normative content and regulate the behavior of people, they have one goal - the coordination of interaction between society and the individual. They have common social norms based on a common culture, economic and social interests of society.
Interaction. One goal is compliance with laws. Illegal behavior is unlawful. In their assessment, law and morality are one.
Differences: the right is reflected in legal acts that are developed by the competent authorities. The requirements of morality are reflected in public opinion. Ideas of morality are transmitted by art, literature, and the media.
Contradictions: arise from the differences between them. Law and morality are in the process of constant development in the same way as society. But law is more conservative. Legislation often contains many shortcomings and gaps. Morality is more dynamic, active, more responsive to changes in society.
Being in close interconnection, both of these phenomena develop unevenly. Therefore, as a rule, any society has a different moral and legal status.
In order for a person to be able to exist harmoniously in a particular society, he must observe certain social norms that regulate and orientate people's behavior in a particular situation. The norm is designed to define boundaries, rules of behavior, evaluate this behavior, i.e. is a means to ensure order.
The main types of standards:
- customs;
- moral standards;
- institutional, i.e. embodied in social institutions;
- the laws.
Violation of the norms causes a negative reaction of the society, aimed at those who deviate from the established model of behavior. The reaction is expressed in the form of certain sanctions - punishment or encouragement. Regulatory systems are developing together with society, the attitude of society towards prevailing norms is changing. Sharp deviations from the generally accepted threat to the stability of society.
Value is a specific goal (ideal) that an individual aspires to. It determines life priorities, guidelines, encourages a person to constant activity.
The social order of society depends on what basic values are considered mandatory for it, are chosen as a standard of behavior.
Social norms and values fulfill a very important function, they regulate the social behavior of each member of society.