Law is a set of rules created by the state which form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. These laws are enforced by the state and if they are broken sanctions can be imposed. The term law is also used more broadly to refer to all of a country’s laws or even to the rules that govern a specific geographic area, for example ‘city law’. The concept of law is also closely related to morality, and the nature of ethics.
There are many different theories on what the meaning of law is and it is difficult to give a definitive definition. Some theories suggest that the law reflects morality, while others say that it is simply a system of order enforced by power. Regardless of the exact meaning, most scholars agree that the law is a complex and ever-changing set of rules.
The concept of the law has numerous applications, governing everything from the rights of citizens to the responsibilities of governments. It can be seen as an instrument of justice, a means of regulating commerce, or a mechanism for social control. In the context of a democracy, the rule of law is an important principle that guarantees equality before the law and prevents rulers from abusing their power. This concept is reflected in democratic principles like freedom of the press, checks and balances on government power and the separation of powers.
Law has several branches, ranging from administrative to criminal to family and property. Administrative law regulates contracts, taxes and other activities of the federal and local governments. Contract law covers any agreement to exchange goods or services for money, including everything from buying a bus ticket to trading options on a derivatives market. Criminal law deals with the punishment of crimes and the rights of suspects and victims. Property law encompasses people’s ownership and rights toward tangible property (such as land or buildings) and intangible assets, such as intellectual property rights. Family law includes marriage, divorce and child custody proceedings.
The concept of law has also been shaped by philosophers and sociologists. Max Weber influenced thinking on the extension of state power, and more recent writers have discussed the problems associated with military and police power.
The law influences politics, economics and history in a variety of ways. For an examination of its relationship to social issues, see articles on censorship; crime and punishment; and the state. For an analysis of the laws of a specific place, see article on a legal system. In common law countries, judicial decisions are explicitly recognized as law on equal footing with legislative statutes and executive regulations. The doctrine of stare decisis means that a decision by a higher court binds lower courts to assure consistency in cases with similar facts. In civil law systems, judicial decisions are less enforceable and legislative statutes are typically more detailed.