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date: 24 March 2023

Legal Systemlocked

Legal Systemlocked

  • Robert G. MaddenRobert G. MaddenUniversity of Saint Joseph

Summary

The law is a powerful force in all aspects of contemporary U.S. society. The legal system furnishes the context and procedures for the creation and enforcement of laws to resolve disputes, to protect rights, and generally to maintain order. Social workers are expected to understand the basic workings of the legal system generally, in addition to having knowledge of specific laws relevant to their area of practice. Knowledge of the legal system provides the foundation to support social workers to undertake social justice initiatives, to give voice to vulnerable client populations, and to work for legal rules that support good social work practice and positive outcomes for the clients and communities served.

Keywords

Subjects

  • Criminal Justice
  • Macro Practice
  • Policy and Advocacy
  • Social Justice and Human Rights

Updated in this version

Content and references updated for the Encyclopedia of Macro Social Work.

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