Law is the set of rules that are created by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior and enforce consequences when rules are broken. It is the framework that allows society to function and provides a means of mediation when disputes arise. It shapes politics, economics, history and society in various ways. It also helps to ensure cooperation between members of a society, preventing potential conflict of interests.
There are many different theories about law. Hans Kelsen created the ‘pure theory of law’ which states that the law is a ‘normative science’. This theory argues that the law doesn’t describe what must occur, but only defines certain rules that individuals have to abide by.
Other theories about law differ wildly. One such is John Austin’s, which says that the law is a collection of rules that are made and enforced by an authority which can punish its citizens for breaking them. Another is the ‘natural school of thought’, which is a legal theory that explains how the law develops and is enforced. It is based on the assumption that a judge or arbitrator, acting in accordance with common sense and precedent, decides what the law is.
A law can be written by a legislature, resulting in statutes; by an executive branch through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through caselaw, referred to as common law in some jurisdictions. Private individuals may also create legally binding contracts, such as arbitration agreements which adopt alternative methods of dispute resolution to standard court litigation. Law can also include laws regulating the interactions of different groups in society, such as labour law which examines the tripartite industrial relationship between employer, employee and trade unions; family law which covers marriage and divorce proceedings and the rights of children; or environmental law which deals with the protection and conservation of nature and the environment.
Law is a vast area of study. It can be divided into a number of different categories, including criminal law, which deals with criminal activities such as murder and burglary; civil law, which encompasses all types of civil disputes between citizens; and constitutional law, which refers to the principles that form the foundation of a state’s legal system. Other areas of law include commercial law, which covers business and finance, as well as property law, which deals with people’s ownership and possession of tangible objects, such as land or buildings; and intellectual property, which concerns trademarks, copyrights and patents.
As the world becomes increasingly regulated, laws and systems of law are becoming more important in order to maintain a functioning and cohesive society. The study of law is an exciting field that is attracting more and more students. It is a complex subject that has numerous implications for society and is constantly changing as our social, political and economic structures change. As a result, there are a variety of careers available for those who have an interest in the law.
