Law is a set of rules that are created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a matter of longstanding debate, but the principle of law’s importance in society is universally recognized. The societal function of law is to define what personal and business practices are right or wrong, based on a community’s values and circumstances. It is also essential to maintain order, provide a safe society and ensure the rights of everyone are respected. The exact method of creating and enforcing law varies from one country to the next, but generally there are two main types of laws: public and private.
The creation of law reflects the power structure in a given nation-state and is dependent on a political climate that is different from place to place. In most cases, the law is established by a legislature and codified through statutes, decrees and regulations. It is sometimes influenced by constitutional law and the rights encoded in it. In other cases, the law is determined by a judiciary through case precedent and legal reasoning. Private individuals can create legally binding contracts that are enforceable by courts of law.
In addition to defining what is acceptable, the law also functions as a mediator between people. It aims to settle disputes peacefully by using a system of rules and procedures that is consistent and predictable in all locations. This can help prevent conflict between parties, especially in places where cultural, religious and linguistic differences make it difficult for people to understand each other.
Another purpose of law is to help keep the economy and societies running smoothly by regulating business, ensuring fair competition, and preventing fraud. For example, a company that violates labor laws could be penalized by the government with fines or even closure of the business. This can encourage businesses to follow the law, and it may also discourage companies from taking unethical or illegal actions in the first place.
While some people might try to argue that laws are not a necessity for human society, others believe that without law there would be chaos and mayhem. In a society with no law, property ownership would not be protected and crimes could go unpunished. This can be particularly dangerous in a large city, where gangs and other criminals are known to operate with impunity.
While law is a system of rules that governs society, it does not offer any concrete empirical evidence to prove its validity. However, the societal function of law is generally accepted and the majority of countries follow some form of legal system. For example, terrorism cases in a country are usually heard by judges who are specialized in the area of law and are often trained through specified legal procedures (such as successfully passing a qualifying examination). Similarly, lawyers achieve their distinct professional identity through specified procedures, including studying at universities that award a Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Civil Law degree and earning a law qualification (such as a Juris Doctor).
