Law is a set of rules that are created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a matter of longstanding debate. It has been variously described as a science and as the art of justice.
A legal system based on the principles of justice and fairness requires that everyone be treated equally before the law. To ensure this, the legal system must contain checks on government power and be accessible to all citizens. Laws can be formulated by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through precedent (known as common law), often with a detailed history of case law. Private individuals may also create legally binding contracts and arbitration agreements, which are alternatives to standard court litigation.
The concept of law is a crucial part of any society. It defines what people are permitted or not to do, and the consequences of doing one thing over another. It can also provide a framework for the conduct of business, the safety of people and the protection of property. The laws of a nation are important in determining its stability and prosperity.
As such, the study of Law is a crucial area of research in the social sciences and humanities. It is studied by a range of disciplines including sociology, political science, psychology, philosophy, history, economics and religion. This article discusses the general concept of Law, as well as some of the main branches of Law:
Contract Law regulates agreements to exchange goods and services, from a bus ticket to a derivatives market trade. Property Law defines people’s rights and duties toward tangible objects, such as houses and cars; and intangible items, such as bank accounts and shares of stock. Criminal law deals with crimes, punishment and the procedure by which a crime is prosecuted. Immigration and nationality Law concerns the rules governing how foreigners can live in a country and acquire or lose citizenship. Family Law covers marriage, divorce and child custody issues. Labor law regulates employees and employers, as well as the conditions of employment. International law deals with the interplay between nations and their laws. Biolaw is the intersection of law and the life sciences.
The societal function of Law is to control behaviour, limit inequality and promote social welfare. The law must be understandable and accessible to all, and there must be clear and consistent punishment for violations. Modern military, policing and bureaucratic powers over daily lives present special challenges to accountability that Max Weber and earlier writers could not have foreseen. In particular, the extension of state authority to monitor personal communications and privacy poses a real threat to individual freedoms. For this reason, the concept of Law is of increasing concern to democratic societies. This is reflected in the growth of legal studies as an academic field and in the creation of international organizations such as the European Union and the Council of Europe to promote human rights and legal standards.
