The Historic Footprint of the Law in Legal Systems: From Its Educational Value to Social Engineering. Some Examples.

Abstract

“The people must fight for its law as for its (city) walls”. These are the words of Heraclitus who, in the 5th century BC, was already perfectly aware of the immense influence that the law has on shaping the identity of the people. Because not only do laws have an effect on institutions, but indeed they also transform the minds and even the hearts of individuals. In this article, we will try to understand what the law is and what its purpose is. We will ask ourselves if it is legitimate, and if it is possible, to leave the educational value of the law aside in order to use it as a tool for social change. This is why we must resort to the concept of law throughout history in order to understand its value and its virtuosity.