CHRISTIANS Approaches to Law, Order and Justice

previously: CHRISTIAN VALUES RELATED TO WEALTH, MONEY, AND POVERTY

Approaches to Law, Order and Justice

Introduction

• Law, order, justice are essential for the survival of any society
• Following laws leads to order and justice lack of following leads to disorder and injustice laws of Kenya are laid down in the constitution

A. Law

• Established rules by an authority to regulate human behaviour in the community Schools laws, religious laws, factory laws, hospital laws etc. laws differ from society to society. Laws are dynamic. Laws cover all aspects of life

B. Order

• Condition brought about by obedience to set rules or laws. Order leads to peaceful co — existence in the society. Where there is order, things are done systematically. The opposite of order is disorder.

Types of laws

1. Non — legal laws — no court action e.g. school rules
   
2. Customary traditional laws — based on culture, social traditions. They have to agree with state ‘laws'. They are respected by state
   
3. Statutory laws / legal laws -- laws made by local council or national government and citizens are expected to obey them

Kenya's chief Justice David Maraga [from 2016 to ...]

Types of statutory laws

• a) Civil laws — made by parliament on issues such as taxes, labour, divorce etc
• b) Criminal law — on crime / punishment
• c) Constitutional law — matters of state and governance
• d) Company law
• e) Religious laws e.g. Islamic law ‘sharia’ ​

C. Justice — treating others the way they deserve in relation to the law. Its administration of rightful dealings in a fair manner according to their actions. A just society follows rules and administers legal action to those who offend others or disobey rules. Justice means treating people the same way without discrimination.

​Importance of Law, Order and Justice

1. They are essential to preserve harmony and protect people
2. Laws guide people and ensure people’s rights are protected
   
3. They protect people’s property and enable people to live in harmony
   
4. They protect the consumer from exploitation
   
5. They safeguard religious freedom
   
6. Laws control power of those in authority and promote political stability
   
7. Provides stability, encouraging economic growth
   
8. Helps to control discontentment among people
   
9. Helps implementation of taxes effectively
   
10. Provides / help in maintenance of security
    
11. Ensures human rights are upheld
    
12. Enables the government to protect its citizens from internal or external threats
13. International law regulates relations between countries
    

Rights and duties of Citizens

Who is a Citizen? -- person who is a member of a state, kingdom, empire. A person who has full rights as a member of a country by birth, descent, registration, naturalization. What are Rights? -- legal claims that one is entitled to from the government
What is a Duty? -- ones responsibility to the government

Kenya citizens entertaining a tourist

Examples of Rights

1. ​Right to life — to live securely
2. Right to education
3. Right to liberty / freedom e.g. one should not be imprisoned, detained, without trial. One is innocent until proven guilty
4. Right to protection of property
5. Right to own a family — right to marry and raise a family
6. Right to health
7. Freedom of movement
8. Right to freedom of association
9. Right to freedom of assembly
10. Freedom of religion
11. Right to own property
12. Right to equality — non discrimination
13. Protection of freedom of expression and speech (own opinions, ideas)

Examples of Children's rights

1. ​Right to life
2. education
3. parental care
4. health
5. protection from exploitation
6. right to identity etc.

Duties of citizens (responsibilities)

1. Pay taxes to the government
   
2. Respect the flag and national anthem
   
3. Respect those in authority
   
4. Respect the laws of the land
   
5. Register as a voter and vote in national elections
   
6. Be responsible at work
   
7. Participate in national development
   
8. Promote peace and harmony in the society
   
9. Report errant members of the society to law enforcement agents
   
10. Protect the environmental — clean, plant trees, avoid poaching etc

Questions you will most likely meet in an examinations

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1. State reasons why it is important for Christians to promote law, order and justice in society today.

1. ​​Law, order and justice enable members of society to make sensible choices and sound decisions/give direction/avoid confusion.
2. They promote a harmonious existence in the society/regulates people’s behaviour.
3. They enhance provision of others’ needs by disregarding selfishness/greed.
4. Order and justice define the relationship between persons and groups of people.
5. They promote good work ethics and healthy working conditions.
6. They promote economic growth and social development due to stability in society.
7. They allow people to enjoy their rights e.g.to own property.
8. They promote morality as people uphold virtues and avoid vices.
9. Hey promote unity in the society due to mutual concern for one another.
10. They enable the government to implement its policies effectively for overall development of the country.

2. State seven practices that promote law, order and Justice in traditional African society   

1. ​Punishment of the offender
2. Installation of rulers/Kings/Chiefs/elders to maintain law , order and Justice
3. Administration of oaths
4. Observing taboos and those who break them are punished
5. Inter- marriages are encouraged
6. Initiating dialogue among the conflicting groups
7. Sending emissaries/mediators to unite the warring communities.
8. Sharing meals/drinks by elders from the same pot as a sign of peace
9. Returning spoils/the loot from raids
10. Having a common stand in administering discipline to children
11. Young people are expected to respect older members.
12. Acquisition and property ownership is done in accordance to established regulations
13. Religion permeates all aspect of life and helps in maintaining order

3. State ways in which the church is helping to reduce crime in Kenya 

1. Condemning evils in the society.
2. Rehabilitating wrong doers.
3. offering vocational training to the youths
4. Establishing income generating activities to create jobs for the members.
5. preaching and praying for peace in the country
6. Disciplining deviants members of the church
7. Educating people on civil rights.
8. providing pastoral guidance and counseling
9. Encouraging citizens to obey the laws of the country
10. Reporting criminals to authorities
11. providing for the needs of the poor. 

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