Law is a set of principles and guidelines for human behavior, regulated by an authority that enforces its will through coercive means. It is a tool to manage society, and it can be used to promote order and justice, punish crime and infringers, and provide rewards for those who obey the laws. Laws are enacted by government bodies in organized societies and are enforced by police and courts. The study of law is also known as law and society, legal studies, or legal philosophy.
The term “law” can refer to a specific set of rules created by an individual nation, state or region that are intended to ensure a peaceful social environment. The law can also be applied to a broader geographical area, such as an entire continent or country, and the term can also be used to describe a career in the legal field, for example “lawyer” or “judging”.
In general, there are four main functions of law: establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights. The precise role of law varies from place to place and reflects the political landscape in each nation. For instance, a country may have an authoritarian regime that provides little protection for its citizens. Conversely, a democratic state may provide a robust legal system with clear and consistent standards and procedures that guarantee certain fundamental rights.
Some theorists have posited that there are various definitions of law. Hans Kelsen, for example, proposed that law is a normative science, meaning it does not seek to explain what must occur but only defines rules for people to follow. Others have argued that the purpose of law is power and that any type of coercion can be considered valid as long as a sovereign creates enforceable orders. For example, Nazi Germany executed six million Jews, and Saddam Hussein tortured and killed his opponents in violation of Iraqi law.
Law is a vast and complicated subject, covering a wide range of topics. For example, labor law includes the regulation of the tripartite industrial relationship between employer, worker and trade union, as well as issues such as job security and pay. Criminal and civil procedure law concerns the rules that must be followed as a case is brought to trial or appealed. Property law covers ownership and responsibilities for tangible items such as cars and houses, as well as intangible assets such as bank accounts and stocks. The biolaw field explores the intersection of law and the biological sciences. Law can also refer to a specific branch of law, such as family law or contract law. Often, articles on law will discuss recent changes to legislation and take a position on these controversial changes. However, for more technical pieces that analyse the underlying principles, see the article on legal theory.