The law is a set of rules that dictate how people can live together. It includes everything from the rights of private citizens to the responsibilities of businesses. It also sets out punishments for criminal actions. In modern societies, laws are usually created and voted on by groups of politicians in a legislature, such as parliament or congress, elected (chosen) by the governed. Countries often have a constitution for the overall framework of society and make further laws as needed for specific matters.
There are many different ideas about what the law is, and each society will have its own system. One important view is that the law is a means of social control, which ensures that everyone follows certain standards and obeys certain rules. This view was formulated by Roscoe Pound, who studied law. The other main idea is that the law exists to serve society’s needs and interests. This includes regulating commerce, providing services such as water, electricity and gas, and protecting people’s rights.
The earliest known legal system was the Code of Hammurabi, which dates back to 1760 BC. This was followed by ancient Egyptian law, Roman law, and Jewish Halakha. More recently, countries have adopted Western civil and common law systems. Some have combined these with their own religious beliefs and practices.
Each type of law has its own specific rules. For example, tort law helps people claim compensation when they have been harmed, such as in an accident or by defamation of character. Employment law covers the relationship between a worker, an employer and a trade union, including collective bargaining and the right to strike. Competition law regulates business activities that might distort prices for goods and services, for example through price fixing or monopoly.
All of these laws are enforced by a government and can be challenged in court. People who challenge the law are called “lawbreakers” and can be punished by the authorities. Laws can be made or changed through legislation or by a process called “judicial review”, where higher courts overturn lower court decisions that are judged to be unconstitutional.
Most countries have a supreme court that is the highest authority in the country and can remove laws that are considered to be unconstitutional. Individual judges can also overturn laws they think are unfair, but this is rare. The law can be described as a complex and ever-changing social tool that serves a wide variety of purposes. It is a difficult concept to define, but it can be summarised as a set of rules that everyone must follow to live peacefully together. This article has been provided for general information only and does not constitute professional legal advice. Please speak with a qualified attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction before taking any action. Legal questions should be submitted to a lawyer for a confidential consultation. Please see disclaimer. 2019 Time Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.