Law is a system of rules and regulations that a society creates to deal with issues such as crime, business contracts and social relationships. The word can also be used to describe the people who work in this area – lawyers, judges etc.
The term ‘law’ is used to describe a wide range of things, from individual stories about being treated unfairly by the policing or legal systems, through to the codified community narratives of equal justice for all (see Pound). The way we talk about the law can reveal much about how we think about it and why it matters.
In many places around the world, laws are often negotiated between the state and the community. This is seen as a good thing, as it helps to ensure that everyone’s views are taken into account when decisions are made. However, there are arguments about how much power the state should have over the lives of its citizens and whether or not the rule of law is truly a cornerstone of a democracy.
Some writers, such as Bentham, have argued that the role of law is to provide a framework for maintaining order and resolving disputes, and should therefore be considered more important than morality. Others, such as Rousseau, have argued that a sense of right and wrong is innate to human beings, and that this reflects a higher level of law that is unchanging and independent of the state.
Those who work in the law often focus on one particular area of it, such as family or employment law. This means that they are experts in the field, and have a detailed knowledge of all the current legal cases and legislation that applies to that area of law.
The legal profession is growing in popularity as a career choice. This is because the skills that are required to be a lawyer are valued in the wider economy, and there is an increasing need for lawyers in all sectors of society.
There are many different kinds of law, and each area of law has its own specific rules and procedures. The most common areas of law are criminal, business, property and family law. There are also specialist areas such as environmental, tax and employment law.
The laws of a country are created and changed by the government. These changes are usually made through the parliamentary process. This involves passing bills, drafting amendments and debating them with other members of parliament. These changes are then voted on and, if passed, become part of the law. However, the laws of a country can also be influenced by other factors, such as social norms and religious beliefs. This can lead to a lack of consistency between the laws of a country and its citizens. The laws of a country are also influenced by external influences, such as international treaties and trade agreements. These outside influences can sometimes override domestic laws, which is a source of tension in some countries.