The law is a set of rules created by a government or community that is enforced to ensure a peaceful society. It shapes politics, economics, history, society, and culture in a variety of ways. Laws can be written and formalized, such as statutes, constitutions, and regulations; or informal, such as custom and tradition. They can be enacted by the state, such as through the legislative branch, the executive branch, or the judicial branch of the government; or by private individuals, including contract law and arbitration agreements. The law can also be described as an objective and rational set of principles that can be used to resolve disputes.
Law is a complex concept, and its precise definition is the subject of long-standing debates. Some philosophers have argued that the law is nothing more than commands backed by the threat of sanctions, while others, such as Jeremy Bentham and John Austin, have promoted utilitarian theories of the law. Others, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Aquinas, have proposed the notion of natural law, which is a moral set of unchanging principles that reflect underlying realities in human nature and society.
Modern legal systems are built on the notion of rule of law, which is a system of governance in which all persons and institutions—public and private, local and national, including the State itself—are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated and equally enforced, fairly adjudicated and independently adjudicated, and in accordance with internationally accepted standards and principles such as supremacy of the law, equality before the law, separation of powers, legal certainty, participation in decision-making, avoidance of arbitrariness, and transparency.
Individuals can be affected by laws in many different ways. Contract law regulates agreements between people to purchase goods, services, or property; family law covers marriage and divorce proceedings, child custody issues, and inheritance rights; civil rights laws protect the rights of citizens against discrimination and unfair treatment; and criminal law defines punishment for offenses such as homicide and traffic violations.
In addition, the law influences cultural aspects of a country or region, such as language and traditions; the structure of family units and communities; and even astronomical phenomena, such as stars and planets.
Individuals who wish to practice the law must complete an extensive educational program, and are usually required to pass a bar exam. They can earn such distinguished titles as Esquire (indicating a high level of legal knowledge), Barrister or Doctor of Law. In addition, they must abide by ethical guidelines and follow strict procedures for professional identification. Many of these professional guidelines are established by legal societies, such as a law school or bar association. Other significant factors in the practice of law include training, legal education, and legal research. In the United States, lawyers are regulated by the State through a number of processes and organizations. They may also be certified by a professional organization, such as the American Board of Trial Advocates or the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel.
