Law is the system of rules that governs human behavior and is enforced by a controlling authority. It has a variety of purposes, including establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights. Law shapes politics, economics, history and society in a myriad of ways, and it serves as a mediator between people.
The precise definition of law is a matter of intense debate. Many scholars, such as Jeremy Bentham and John Austin, saw it as “commands, backed by the threat of sanctions, from a sovereign to whom people have a habit of obedience.” Others, like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argued that law reflects innate moral laws that are unchanging and invariant. Ultimately, law’s meaning is determined by the social institution that creates it.
Legal systems vary widely across the world. Some nations, such as the United States, have a common law system that relies on decisions made by judges in individual cases. Other countries, such as Japan, have a civil law system that explicitly specifies the conditions under which a judge must make a ruling. Both systems are designed to minimize bias and to assure that courts reach consistent decisions. Judicial decisions are often cited as law in court cases, and the doctrine of stare decisis allows decisions made by higher courts to bind lower courts.
Government-enforced laws can be drafted by a legislative body, resulting in statutes; by an executive branch agency through decrees and regulations; or established by judicial precedent. Private individuals may also create legally binding contracts and arbitration agreements. The scope of law is vast, and it encompasses everything from the requirements that an employer must meet to employ a person to the rights and duties of property owners.
Many facets of law are constantly evolving to reflect changes in society, technology and the economy. For example, labor laws are changing to accommodate new worker protections and the growing recognition of the value of employees as essential members of a company’s workforce. Criminal laws are adapting to changing attitudes toward drug use, sexual misconduct and fraud. The legal industry is expanding to serve the needs of a global community, and lawyers are gaining access to specialized areas of law to better address specific situations.
When writing about law, a writer should focus on presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. This will help readers find the most useful information and avoid errors that could lead to costly legal consequences. When researching a topic, it is helpful to look for gaps in current literature and explore controversial issues. These topics can spark debate and generate interest from readers. However, the author should be mindful of how controversial or sensitive a subject is when choosing a topic to ensure that the article is balanced and objective. This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a lawyer-client relationship. Legal issues should always be reviewed by a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
