Class 8 Understanding Laws

Social science subject holds a prominent role in the Class 8 syllabus. In the NCERT syllabus, Chapter 4 of Class 8 Understanding Laws is a very important topic for students preparing for their school exams or competitive exams as well. This chapter elaborates on knowledge from arbitrary laws to laws made by the Indian constitution. Let’s get a clear picture of the chapter of Class 8 Understanding Laws and the important notes and information that you must prepare for your exams.

Check out the Full Chapter Here.

Indian Law

Indian law refers to the Republic of India’s legal system, which includes a wide range of statutes, regulations, and court precedents. Indian law covers several parts of society, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and commercial affairs, and is based on a combination of English common law, Hindu traditions, and legislative enactments. The Indian Constitution is the top legal constitution, detailing citizens’ fundamental rights and duties. The legal system of India attempts to promote justice, equality, and the rule of law, with a complex hierarchy of courts and a strong legal profession contributing to its operation and progress.

Important Definitions in Class 8 Understanding Laws

• Colonialism: It is a practice or policy of control by one people or power over other people or areas, often by establishing and generally with the aim of economic dominance.
• Sedition Act 1850: The government is allowed to detain any person who is witnessed protesting against the British government without giving them a fair trial. 
• Domestic violence: It generally refers to the injury or harm or threat of injury or harm caused by an adult male, usually the husband, against his wife. Injury may be caused by physically beating up the woman or by emotionally abusing her. 

Class 8 Understanding Laws: Do Laws Apply to All? 

Rule of law was certainly introduced in the colonial period under the British Government in India. Those laws were arbitrary and hence cannot be exercised in Independent India. So, all the citizens are equal before the law.

• The laws cannot discriminate on the basis of a person’s religion, gender, caste, or colour. 
• Any criminal act or violation of law is punishable as well as through which the guild of the individual has to be established. 
• All laws are applicable to everyone and no one is above the law.

Also Check Notes On:

• When People Rebel Class 8
• Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age Class 8 Notes
• From Trade to Territory Class 8 Study Notes
• How When and Where Class 8
• Ruling the Countryside Class 8 Notes
• Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
• India After Independence Class 8
• Class 8 Resources
• The Making of National Movement Class 8

How is the Rule of Law Established in India? 

As discussed above, British colonialists introduced laws which were arbitrary and that is the reason they were disputed by historians on this basis: 

• Colonial laws were arbitrary.
• Indian nationalists were prominent in the development of the legal sphere in British India. 
• Nationalists had an idea to change the set of rules they were forced to follow by considering ideas of justice. 
• By the end of the 19th century, legal professionals and Indian judges started playing a greater role in making the changes. 
• After Independence, the constitution was successful in forming a new set of rules, and accordingly, sons, daughters, and their mothers can get an equal share of family property. Similarly, new laws have been enacted to control pollution and provide employment.

How Do New Laws Come About?

The Parliament has an important role in making laws. Different society groups also played their role that raises their need for a particular law. An important role of Parliament is to be sensitive to the problems faced by people. The issue of domestic violence was brought to the attention of the Parliament and the process adopted for this issue to become law. Domestic Violence act 2005 was also implemented by the constitution for the protection of women from being abused and injured by males. 

Unpopular and Controversial Laws 

• The laws passed by the constitution sometimes turn out to be unaccepted by the general public because they feel that the intention behind them is unfair and harmful.
• People tend to criticize laws, hold public meetings, write about them in the newspaper, report to TV news channels, etc.
• Sometimes the laws are valid and legal and still a large number of people begin to find it wrong, then the pressure gets created on Parliament to change. 
• Individuals who find laws to be unfair can reach out to the court. 
• If the law favours one group and disregards the other, it will be controversial and lead to conflict. 

Check Class 8 Science Notes

• Reproduction in Animals Class 8
• Some Natural Phenomena Class 8
• Class 8 Crop Production and Management
• Class 8 Materials Metals and Non-metals
• Synthetic Fibres and Plastics
• Class 8 Reaching the Age of Adolescence
• Class 8 Pollution of Air and Water
• Class 8 Light
• Stars and Solar System Class 8
• Class 8 Force and Pressure
• Cell Structure and Function Class 8
• Class 8 Combustion and Flame

FAQs on Class 8 Understanding Laws

These were the notes on class 8 Understanding Laws. Let us know your feedback in the comment section below. Follow Leverage Edu for more such informative blogs! Get in touch with our experts in case you need expert tips on higher education, trending careers, top universities, and more!