Law is a system of rules created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate human conduct. It can be a complex subject, with many different interpretations, but the most common view is that law is an instrument of social control. It can be enacted by a legislature, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or by judges through precedent and the “doctrine of stare decisis” (to stand by past decisions). Alternatively, private individuals may create legally binding contracts, such as contracts for carriage of goods, which are then considered law by courts.
Some people, such as tyrannical rulers, create arbitrary laws and then use their power to enforce them. Even though these imposed laws are often bad, they still constitute law because they are enforceable. In the United States, however, citizens have a degree of protection from this type of government rule because they can vote to remove those who do not represent them well.
The meaning of law can also be viewed in a more philosophical light. Some philosophers, such as Roscoe Pound, take a more utilitarian approach to law and argue that it serves the social wants of the people. This view suggests that laws should be made to achieve particular goals, such as reducing crime or controlling pollution, and that the means used to accomplish this end should be just.
A third way to look at the meaning of law is to see it as a means for establishing social order. Some scholars, such as Max Weber, have argued that the principal function of law is to ensure that individuals are treated equally and that society is organized in a logical, rational manner.
Law is a complex concept and is a part of the fabric of every nation-state. Each country has its own unique legal tradition, which may reflect religious beliefs, historical events, and social and economic conditions. These traditions vary widely from one country to another, and as a result there are countless variations in the legal systems of different nations.
Law covers a wide range of issues in modern societies, such as contract law (which governs agreements to exchange goods and services); criminal law (the rules that govern the punishment of crimes); administrative law (regulations governing government functions); family law; and property law (rules that determine ownership and rights to tangible assets, such as land or vehicles). Law is also an important topic for discussion in academic circles and public discourse, where it can be used to express a point of view or promote specific agendas. For more information on this aspect of the meaning of law, see constitutional law; legal philosophy; legal education; and law and society.
