Law is a set of rules that a society or government creates and enforces to regulate behavior. It has variously been described as a science, an art and a system of justice. It aims to control the actions of individuals and groups of people by making them subject to sanctions for breaking certain rules, such as fines or imprisonment. It also serves to protect the interests of businesses and organizations, by ensuring that contracts are valid and enforceable, and by providing a framework for dealing with disputes.
In its most general sense, the term ‘law’ can refer to any strong rule made by an authority that must be obeyed, for example parents’ house rules or the law of self-preservation. However, it is most commonly used to refer to a legal system or group of laws, such as a country’s laws. The study of Law involves a wide range of topics, from the practicalities of interpreting and applying the law to its broader political and philosophical implications.
It is an important field for understanding how societies organize themselves, and the underlying factors that shape their development. For this reason, the study of law is often considered an essential part of any university education. It is a foundational discipline that influences politics, economics, history and society in many ways.
The most common laws are those made by a sovereign state, which are then enforced by a judiciary. This may take the form of legislative statutes, executive decrees or judicial decisions, which are binding upon lower courts through the principle of stare decisis. Alternatively, private individuals may also create legally binding contracts and arbitration agreements, thereby forming a legal system that differs from the state’s.
While the precise definition of law is a subject of debate, most commentators agree that it refers to a system of rules created and enacted by social or governmental institutions in order to control behaviour and protect people’s rights. The most basic function of law is to prevent the exploitation of individuals and groups by other members of society, but it can also be used to promote certain values or encourage particular social attitudes.
The concept of law extends beyond a specific country or region. There are international laws governing the movement of people and goods, and the treatment of asylum seekers. There are also laws regulating banking, financial services and utilities, such as water, energy and telecommunications.
The study of law encompasses the entire spectrum of legal systems, from a single country’s rules to global constitutional law and the principles of international law. It also includes the study of legal traditions and cultures, including canon law, civil law, Islamic law and Judaism. The law also relates to social issues, such as access to justice and legal reform. For more information on these subjects, see the articles on legal profession; legal education and legal ethics; and law and society. A more complete list of articles on this topic can be found in the Law section of Oxford Reference.