Law is a set of rules created and enforced by a state or society to control the behavior of people. The precise definition of law is a subject of debate. The main goals of law are to maintain order, protect liberty and rights, and ensure that everybody is treated fairly. It is often thought that a legal system is essential for a well-run society. People who deal with the law in various ways, such as advising others about it or representing people in court, are called lawyers.
Different perspectives about what constitutes law have led to many different types of legal systems. The common ground is that laws are enforceable by sanctions, such as fines or imprisonment. Laws can be written by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; or they may be established by the executive branch through decrees and regulations, or they may be handed down through custom and precedent (common law). Private individuals also create legally binding contracts such as arbitration agreements.
The most widespread type of law is the state-enforced law, which is found in most countries. This includes criminal laws, such as murder and robbery; civil law, which covers things like divorce, contract disputes and inheritance; and administrative law, such as taxes and public health regulations. Governmental organizations also have laws, such as environmental and labor standards.
Philosophical approaches to the nature of law have ranged from positivism, which is the belief that law is a human creation, to legal realism. Legal realists believe that the most important factor in the determination of law is not the fact that it is a human invention, but rather that it is determined by who enforces it. They advocate that all legal issues should be resolved in accordance with the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in its enforcement, separation of powers, participation by citizens and transparency.
Other goals of the law include establishing standards, maintaining order and resolving disputes. These are not mutually exclusive, but it is useful to think about them in these terms. For example, a ‘law’ that says ‘you should eat five fruits and vegetables a day’ is not really a law at all, but a suggestion. A law that says ‘you must not steal or embezzle’ is much more of a law, because it can lead to punishment, including imprisonment.
Even in a well-ordered society, disputes can arise. The law can help to resolve these conflicts peacefully, for example by deciding who owns land or other property. The law can also ensure that police and other government officials do their jobs properly, without corruption or abuse of power. Laws can also prevent racial discrimination and protect the environment. The law can also help to keep people safe from harm, for example by preventing crime, such as burglary, and protecting freedoms, such as the right not to be forced into military service. The law can also protect people’s health and safety, for example by prohibiting smoking in public places.