Formal law substitutes for the informal norms of homogeneous societies
Evidence
Law acts as a substitute for informal norms, in a complex society. It is used to keep a diverse population glued together in some reasonable working order, despite differences in values and habits between groups. It replaces informal methods—​those methods that worked well enough on the tiny island of Tristan da Cunha, or among little clans and groups of hunters and gatherers, or in clubs, families, and groups of friends. — Lawrence M. Friedman and Grant M. Hayden, American Law, 1433
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Codified law ages while human circumstances change continuously — Henry M. Hart, Jr. and Albert M. Sacks, The Legal Process: Basic Problems in…, 4655; Dependence on anonymous producers drives demand for formal legal control — Lawrence M. Friedman and Grant M. Hayden, American Law: An Introduction, 180; European continent substituted formal legal equality for real equality of condition