Law is a set of rules that form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. These laws are enforced by the state, and if they are broken sanctions can be imposed on the person who broke the law. Laws can be made for a number of reasons including morality, religion or to protect people from harm.
There are many different definitions of law, as the subject is extremely wide and varied. However, most people agree that the legal system is a central part of modern life. It regulates business, provides safety and security, and protects the rights of individuals. The law also shapes politics, economics and history, and influences society in various ways. It is therefore important to have an understanding of the role and importance of the law.
Generally, law covers the rules that govern the behaviour of all citizens within a particular state or nation. These laws may be written, unwritten or implicit, and are usually based on a constitution. The law also forms a framework for organising a country’s political and social structures, and is a medium through which power flows from the people to the government.
The main categories of law are contracts, property, criminal, administrative and civil procedure. Contract law deals with agreements to exchange goods and services, including everything from purchasing a bus ticket to trading options on the derivatives market. Property law defines people’s rights and duties toward tangible property, such as land and buildings, as well as intangible property such as bank accounts and shares. Criminal and civil procedure deal with the rules that courts must follow to allow cases to be heard and resolved.
It is also common for the law to be influenced by religion and culture. For example, Islamic law is based on religious precepts such as the Quran and Hadith, and is elaborated by further human elaboration through interpretation (Qiyas and Ijma) and precedent. Other examples include Jewish halakha, and Christian canon law.
People who have a professional interest in law are known as lawyers. Lawyers typically have a degree in law or a related field, and are licensed to practice by a jurisdiction’s regulator. Lawyers have a range of specialist interests, and they can be employed in private practice, the public sector or in corporate law firms. There are some prestigious titles used to signify the status of a lawyer, such as Esquire (a British term that means barrister), and Doctor of Law. It is possible to study the law at university level, and some universities have specific law schools that offer courses in all areas of the law. Some universities also offer masters and postgraduate degrees in law. These qualifications can be useful to aspiring lawyers who want to understand the wider context of the law and its impact on society.