The law is a set of rules made by a government that citizens must follow. It shapes politics, economics, history and society in many ways. People often think of laws as things like “don’t steal” or “speed limits,” but the law can also be a set of principles that guide human interactions, for example:
Law covers a wide range of issues in a diverse society. For instance, contract law regulates agreements to exchange goods or services and can include anything from a bus ticket to trading options on a stock market. Property law defines people’s rights and duties toward tangible assets such as land or buildings, as well as intangible assets such as bank accounts and shares of stock. Criminal law encompasses activities that are deemed dangerous to others and punishable by the state, including murder, robbery, treason and burglary.
Some countries, such as the United States, use a common law system where judges base decisions on precedents (previous cases with similar circumstances). This is different from most other countries, which have civil law systems, which rely on written codes to dictate how judges must decide.
Other laws are established through natural processes, such as the strength of gravity between two objects. These laws are considered facts because they describe a particular circumstance and can be proven by observation or experiment. In addition to these laws, most governments create rules regulating their citizens’ behavior, including the right to a fair trial and the freedom of expression.
There are also laws regulating the actions of businesses, such as banking and financial regulation, and the quality of water, energy and food. There are even laws governing people’s relationships with each other, such as divorce, custody and parental rights.
A law school trains future lawyers and judges. In addition to the study of law, law schools offer courses in a variety of topics, such as evidence law, international law, constitutional law and the law of war.
The word “law” comes from the Old Norse lagr, which means “fixed tune” or “established way of life.” It is generally used to refer to the rules created by a government that must be obeyed in order to live peacefully with one another. It can also be applied to any strong rule, such as a parent’s house rules, that must be followed or punishment will occur.
Some laws are based on religious precepts. This includes the Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia, as well as Christian canon law in some church communities. Often, these laws require further human elaboration to produce more thorough legal systems, such as through interpretation, Qiyas and Ijma. Other laws are based on social norms and expectations. Examples of these laws include the prohibition on discrimination, which is a core value of the United States constitution. These laws are enforceable through the courts, the police and other mechanisms. Law can also be used to enforce the status quo, such as by enforcing a ban on smoking in public places.