Paladins come in two flavors currently: Sultansworn, the Sultanate's personal guard, and Free Paladins, the unofficial adventuring side of things.
Sultansworn have a lively RP presence in Ul'dah with lots of folks being a part of the Order and playing the politic side of things. Free Paladins are basically told "Ul'dah recognizes you as a capable defender, go forth and protect people." This is beneficial because Sworn only really have jurisdiction inside of Ul'dah and even then only pertaining to things involving the Sultanate. Free Paladins are your roaming do-gooders.
Also, highlanders bestlanders.
Sultansworn have a lively RP presence in Ul'dah with lots of folks being a part of the Order and playing the politic side of things. Free Paladins are basically told "Ul'dah recognizes you as a capable defender, go forth and protect people." This is beneficial because Sworn only really have jurisdiction inside of Ul'dah and even then only pertaining to things involving the Sultanate. Free Paladins are your roaming do-gooders.
Also, highlanders bestlanders.