What is Law?
Law is the set of rules a group creates to govern its actions and ensure it functions in a peaceful way. These are usually enforced by a controlling authority and can result in sanctions if they are violated. Law can be described in many ways, and many books contain diverse ideas and definitions on the subject.
A major point of debate is whether law should be based on religion or human nature. Some people believe that God has a plan for humankind and that laws reflect his will. Other people believe that law is a product of the innate personality of individuals. These ideas are reflected in the many different laws and legal systems that exist across the world.
Most countries have a judicial system that resolves conflicts and determines the guilt or innocence of people who are charged with crimes. Judges are guided by laws (or a constitution) created by the legislature, and the judicial system typically has a process of appeals to a higher authority.
Law is a complex and enduring subject that is relevant to our daily lives in numerous ways. Contract law regulates agreements to exchange goods or services, tort law covers injuries and defamation of character, and criminal law punishes offences against a person or persons. Other areas of law include labour law, family law and property law. The latter defines a person’s rights and duties in relation to tangible property such as homes, land or objects, and intangible assets such as bank accounts or shares of stock.