Law is a system of rules, procedures and principles that regulate and govern the conduct of individuals, companies and governments. These laws are written down and enforced by the government, or a controlling authority such as a court of law or legislature.
Laws may be based on principles of religion or secular human rights. Examples of religious laws include Jewish halakha, Islamic Sharia and Christian canon law.
Religiously based law is often interpreted or codified into a legal system, while secular human rights law focuses on individual freedom. In some countries, such as Australia and the United States, law is largely governed by secular human rights principles.
Generally, there are three main categories of law: civil, criminal and statutory. Each covers a specific field of practice, but they also overlap in important ways.
The first category, civil law, is a broad system of general laws affecting everyone in society. Its rules are arranged in codes and are easily understood by both citizens and jurists.
This type of system encourages cooperation, order and predictability, and it is a flexible form of law that can be altered to suit changing circumstances and interests. It is found in about 60% of the world and is primarily derived from Roman law and the broader European tradition.
In most cases, civil laws are enacted by governments and can be changed only through the passage of legislation. Those who create or change the laws are called legislators, while those who enforce them are called judges.
Another category, criminal law, relates to crimes and other serious violations of law. Its aims are to protect the public and prevent crime, although it can be used for other purposes.
A third category, statutory law, relates to regulations governing business and commerce in a particular country. Its aims are to promote a fair and just society, to ensure the safety of people and property, to protect the environment, and to protect the rights of consumers and workers.
The fourth category, judicial law, relates to court procedures and rules that lawyers must follow in order to make or defend a case. Its aims are to provide a fair trial and to ensure that all parties in a dispute are heard.
Lawyers are specialists in the law and use their skills to advise clients or litigate cases in courts. They are regulated by governments and independent bodies such as bar associations or law societies.
Qualifications for becoming a lawyer typically involve a degree in law and a special qualification such as a barrister’s degree or doctorate. These qualifications are usually regulated by law and can be obtained through formal exams, such as the Bar Professional Training Course or the Qualifying Examination in England and Wales.
As a field of study, law is diverse and complex. There is no one single way to define law, and it can cover a wide range of subjects, from criminal law to international trade and finance. Its scope is largely determined by the culture and history of the country in which it is practised.