Law is the set of rules, guidelines and precepts geared to control behavior and keep societal order. Its creation and application is a complex and multifaceted process that involves social wants, judicial philosophy and legal technique.
In its broadest sense, law is a system of norms and standards that govern human conduct and the actions of government, corporations and individuals. It can be enforced by the government through sanctioning mechanisms and penalties, or voluntarily adopted and abided by private entities. It is a fundamental part of human society, permeating relationships and shaping commerce, governance, and the fabric of civilizations around the world.
Law defines a range of activities, from criminal justice to family law, contracts to insurance, zoning to water regulation. It reflects the complexity of human society, and its diversity is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.
The definition of law varies according to culture and history. It may be based on religious precepts, derived from judicial precedent, or developed by the state. A legal system can also evolve over time, as a result of the influences, conflicts and changes that occur throughout a nation’s history.
Generally, laws are made by legislators and enforced by judges and courts. However, some laws are not written and instead exist in the collective consciousness of a group or community. For example, an edict from a leader or religious figure may dictate a code of conduct that must be adhered to by all members of a religion.
Other forms of law are based on natural principles and philosophies. These include the natural school of thought and the principle of morality. The natural school of thought argues that all laws are self-evident, while the principle of morality considers that laws are a form of human coercion.
While many people do not realize it, law is everywhere in their daily lives. For example, contract law outlines the exchange of goods and services, insurance law covers protection against unforeseen events, tort law imposes obligations on parties, and property law regulates ownership condition and rights.
Some countries use a common law system, in which the laws are compiled from decisions of judges over time, and others use civil laws based on codes that are written and not subject to individual interpretation. However, all legal systems share some basic characteristics, such as accountability, public transparency and participation in decision-making, adherence to international human rights standards, fairness and justice. This is why it is important to understand and respect law, regardless of its origin or form. Legal education and training is essential for a career in the legal field. Modern lawyers achieve a distinct professional identity through specified procedures, such as passing a qualifying exam and earning a degree that is recognized by the governing body of their jurisdiction. This can include a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Laws or even a Doctor of Law. Lawyers must also abide by a code of ethics to maintain professionalism.