A law is a set of rules created by a government which forms a framework to ensure a peaceful society. These rules are enforced by the state and sanctions can be imposed on those who break them.
The precise definition of a law has been subject to long-running debate, with different legal systems having their own unique characteristics. However, most people agree that the law is a system of rules that can be enforced by the state to regulate behaviour and that the rules are generally accepted as correct and moral. These rules may be created by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; or by the executive through decrees and regulations; or by judges through precedent, as in common law jurisdictions. Individuals may also create legally binding contracts and other agreements which are not enforced by the state but can still be considered laws.
There are many different areas of law, covering a wide range of topics. For example, labour law covers the rights of workers and trade unions; criminal law deals with issues surrounding crimes like murder and robbery; and civil procedure involves the rules that courts must follow when they are building a case. Other areas of the law include immigration and citizenship law, which cover how individuals can live and work in other countries; and family law, which includes issues like divorce and child custody. There is also a branch of the law known as biolaw, which covers the intersection between the law and biology.
The word ‘law’ can be used to describe any rule that must be followed, whether it is a set of rules created by governmental authorities or something a person might do instinctively or spontaneously, such as trying to save their life when they are in danger. It can also be used to describe the law profession, as in Zola wanted to become a lawyer so they could practise law.
The term ‘law’ is also sometimes used in the context of the sciences, to refer to any indisputable fact about the world and its forces which is known to be true. This type of law is often described as ‘natural law’, to distinguish it from religious laws, which are based on principles such as the divine right of kings or canon law. The term can also be applied to rules or conventions that govern certain aspects of a particular system, such as grammar or playwriting. The legal field has a number of specialist terms, such as judge and chief judge. These are used to describe the roles of a judge in overseeing and deciding cases. In addition, there are other specialisms in the law, such as evidence law, which covers which materials can be presented to a court for consideration. These are used in specialised areas of the law, such as criminal law and civil procedure. These specialist areas are usually taught by specialists in the relevant area of the law. For example, a judge who specialises in forensic science will know more about the physical proof that can be provided for a court case.