What can laws set according to societal expectations?

Laws that are set according to societal expectations serve the purpose of establishing acceptable standards of behavior within a community. This means that laws reflect the values and norms that society considers important, and they outline what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable conduct. When individuals engage in behavior that contravenes these established laws, there are legal consequences intended to discourage such actions and maintain social order.

The concept that laws represent acceptable standards is critical, as it demonstrates the relationship between legislative frameworks and the moral compass of society. Laws can evolve over time to reflect changes in societal values and expectations, which reinforces the idea that they are not static but rather influenced by the collective beliefs and practices of the community.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of how laws relate to societal expectations. Laws do not impose maximum punishments universally without considering context or severity, nor are they rigid and unchangeable in a way that they can't adapt to new societal norms. Additionally, laws are not merely guidelines varying based on personal beliefs, as their purpose is to provide a consistent and enforceable framework that is applicable to all individuals within the jurisdiction.