Ideals in Law

‘Ideals in law’ may seem a strange subject to some readers. Law is basically a system of rules, perhaps a system of rules and principles, but why should we regard ideals as important elements in law? Perhaps ‘ideals and law’ could have been an acceptable subject heading, because law is often an instrument in the service of political ideals, and our legal systems are influenced by ideals such as those of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. But is it really necessary to address ideals as a separate category in law?