Law is a collection of rules created and enforced by the state that form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. If these rules are broken sanctions can be imposed on those who fail to follow them. Law shapes politics, economics, history and society in a multitude of ways.
The precise definition of Law has been the subject of much debate, with different social and governmental institutions adopting various systems to regulate behavior. It is commonly described as a system of rules, but can also be viewed as an idea or philosophy. For an examination of the concept from a philosophical perspective see Law, philosophy of.
Legal systems vary considerably across the world, with some nations governed by dictatorships while others are based on democratic principles and individual freedoms. Despite these differences, all law is the result of political action and, thus, it is influenced by those who have political power. A common theme in many revolts against existing political-legal authority is the desire for greater rights for citizens, whether in terms of civil or criminal justice.
As a discipline, Law studies how laws are developed, interpreted and enforced by a variety of societal institutions, including governments and private companies. It is an area that encompasses many fields, from contract law to property law to intellectual property and company law.
It is generally accepted that a basic principle of law must be fairness and equality, with all participants treated fairly. In addition, it is essential that the law is publicly available and stable, so that people can plan their affairs with reasonable confidence in advance about what the legal consequences of their actions will be.
Another important aspect of Law is that it should protect against anarchy, i.e., the Hobbesian war of all against all, and that it should not be arbitrary. This tenet has been the source of much discussion among scholars, and can be summed up in the words of Roscoe Pound: “law is a means of controlling the human race by coercive force.”
Laws are created by politicians or legislatures for the purpose of creating a safe environment for citizens to live their lives. The main functions of Law are to establish standards, maintain order, settle disputes and protect liberties and rights.
The practice of Law involves interpreting and applying the laws that are made by legislators, courts, jurists and other legal professionals. Legal professionals work with a wide range of clients and cases, and they are often responsible for providing education about the law to the public.
A legal profession that specializes in family law is called a family attorney or family lawyer. They help families with divorce proceedings, custody agreements and other legal matters. Some are also trained to provide counseling and support to families in legal matters. The job of a family attorney can be rewarding and challenging. The skills required to be a successful family attorney are communication, organization and negotiation.
