Law is a system of rules that regulates the behavior of people and communities. It can be influenced by a constitution, written or tacit, and the rights encoded therein; it can shape politics, economics, history and society in many ways and serves as a mediator of relations between people. Laws are created, interpreted and enforced by courts and governments, but also by private organizations, such as banks or insurance companies, who are bound to certain legal standards in return for being allowed to operate. Law can be based on religion, such as Jewish Halakha or Islamic Sharia, and Christian canon law, but most laws are the product of human elaboration, with interpretive techniques such as qiyas (reasoning by analogy), Ijma and a body of precedent.
In most countries, law consists of statutes and common law, along with regulations imposed by government agencies. The law in each country varies greatly, reflecting its culture and political structure. Statutes are passed by legislatures, which are often made up of a senate and house of representatives. A country’s governor (acting like a president) may have veto power over bills. The process of creating and amending laws is filled with political negotiation and compromise.
Common law deals with the kinds of cases that judges will be called upon to decide. These cases can involve any kind of dispute between individuals, but most often will involve contracts or torts, such as automobile accidents, libel and slander, defamation and injuries caused by defective products. Common law can be influenced by case-law and judicial interpretation, which is often shaped by the philosophy of jurisprudence, or legal theory. The most important theories of jurisprudence examine how and why judges make the decisions they do.
A legal system can serve several purposes in a nation, including maintaining the status quo, protecting individual rights, promoting social justice and allowing for orderly social change. Some systems are more successful than others in fulfilling these goals. For example, an authoritarian regime may keep the peace and maintain the status quo, but it can oppress minorities or suppress dissent.
Other articles that discuss the law and its relationship to society include constitutional law; family law; legal system; property law; and tax law. The legal profession is described in articles on the legal profession and legal education. The impact of the law on people’s lives is examined in articles such as civil rights, equality and discrimination; justice and equity; and freedom. The concept of the law is a complex and fascinating one, with its roots in ancient cultures, religious beliefs and scientific discovery. It is an area of study that requires deep thought, creativity and originality. The writing of a legal article is an excellent way to demonstrate these qualities. This is why the best articles on Law are those that inspire readers. Legal articles should always be written with the goal of educating and inspiring others, not just explaining the law in a straightforward manner.