The Basics of Law

Law

Law is a study of the law and the institutions that support it. Generally, law schools follow a very structured first year curriculum that includes a thorough study of civil procedure, jurisdiction, and standing to sue. Students will also learn about motions and pretrial procedures, as well as the structure of a lawsuit and the appellate review of trial results. Finally, law students will learn about constitutional law, which involves a detailed study of the Bill of Rights and its history.

Rule of law

Rule of law is the process of ensuring that justice is delivered in a fair and transparent manner by competent, independent and impartial representatives with the necessary resources and access. These representatives must reflect the diversity of the communities that they serve. The working definition of the rule of law consists of four universal principles that have been tested and developed by a variety of experts across the globe.

Common law

The common law is the body of law that governs civil cases. It is a branch of law that evolved in the English-speaking world. It was developed to compensate individuals for torts, including intentional and negligent acts. In addition, it developed a body of law that recognizes contracts. As it evolved, the common law courts also adopted the adversarial system of judicial decision-making.

International law

While the study of international law can be complex, it is one area that is important to understand in international relations. Most of the literature on international law is historical and theoretical, and much of it focuses on the role of norms as regulatory forces in international relations. While this is one of the most common perspectives on international law, there are several others that complement it.

Military law

Military law is a form of legal justice that governs the conduct of active duty military personnel. This system is designed to keep military personnel on the right side of the law and to protect them in the event of conflict.

Consumer law

Consumer law is established to protect the public and buyers against unfair practices. It establishes various consumer protection measures that are usually enforced by law.

Environmental law

Environmental law has many facets and is a constantly evolving field. As a result, it continues to be a source of controversy. Arguments range from whether environmental regulation is necessary to whether it’s fair. There’s also a debate over the appropriateness of regulations and the role of market mechanisms in addressing environmental issues.

Judiciary independence

The principle of judicial independence in law has a long history. It dates back to the 1701 Act of Settlement in England, which granted judges immunity from unilateral removal by the king. It was part of a larger shift in power from the crown to Parliament and the courts. It has broad normative appeal, and even states that do not formally uphold it profess their commitment to the principle. Today, most written constitutions include explicit protection of the judiciary.

Legal reasoning

Legal reasoning involves working within the legal framework and accepting the law. However, this does not mean that the law is immune to change. Judges have used certain provisions in the law to avoid applying precedents or analogies that would have produced undesirable outcomes.