Law is the set of rules and regulations enforceable by social or governmental institutions to control conduct and protect individuals and groups from abuse or oppression. The precise meaning of law is a matter of debate, but most scholars agree that the main purposes of law are to establish standards, maintain order, resolve disputes and promote social justice. Law may be enacted and enforced by the government of a nation, and can also be codified in the form of statutes or interpreted by judges through case law.
The body of laws that governs a society can be divided into several broad categories, including civil law, criminal law and common law. Civil law is the largest category, encompassing many different topics such as contract law, property law, family law, labour law and constitutional law. Criminal law is concerned with offences, punishment and defences in criminal trials and appeals. Constitutional law deals with the constitutions and charters of a state or nation, and guarantees individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly and association. Labour law encompasses the tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade union, as well as issues such as health and safety at work. Family law focuses on marriage, divorce and child custody.
A key issue in law is the role of politics in the development and enforcement of laws. The legal system is a reflection of the political culture of a nation, which differs widely from country to country. In stable, democratic states the law is generally made by elected representatives, and enacted into statutes. In unstable, authoritarian or totalitarian states the law may be imposed by military or police power, and enacted through decrees or regulations. In some cases, law may be created through popular revolutions against existing political-legal authority.
There are two major schools of thought regarding the source and nature of law: utilitarian and natural. Utilitarian theory, developed by Jeremy Bentham, suggests that law consists of commands, backed up with threats of sanctions, from a sovereign to his subjects. Natural law, on the other hand, argues that law is based on a set of moral principles.
Regardless of the source and nature of law, it is important to recognize that laws have both positive and negative impacts on society. A nation’s legal system can foster social justice and provide stability, but it may also suppress minorities or oppress the poor. The principle of the rule of law is a generalized concept that refers to the idea that every person and institution, public or private, is subject to laws that are publicly promulgated and equally enforced and independently adjudicated. This principle requires measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law and fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, and legal certainty. It is a key component of international peace and security. A failure to adhere to the rule of law can lead to war, genocide and other human rights violations.