According to Chambliss, what are laws primarily designed to protect in a capitalist society?

Chambliss argues that in a capitalist society, laws are primarily designed to protect private property. This perspective highlights how the legal system serves the interests of the economically powerful, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the status quo and protecting the wealth and assets of individuals and groups who own property. The formulation of laws surrounding property rights and economic transactions reflects the capitalist emphasis on private ownership as a foundational aspect of the economy.

The focus on private property over other potential considerations, such as individual freedoms or public safety, indicates that the law's primary function is to ensure that property relations remain intact and secure for those who possess economic power. This perspective aligns with critiques of capitalism that argue that laws can be seen as mechanisms to uphold inequalities rather than universally applicable measures of justice. By establishing this understanding, Chambliss draws attention to the broader implications of law and its connection to social class and economic structures within society.