Law is the system of rules and regulations that a particular country or community recognizes as governing its members, usually enforced by a controlling authority through penalties. The law is a large and diverse area of study, with subfields that include criminal law, constitutional law, tort law, contract law, family law, property law, and international law, among others. A general understanding of the law involves examining legal history, analyzing the structure of government and assessing the extent to which core human, procedural, and property rights are guaranteed.
Law serves four primary purposes: establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights. In a democracy, the law is often viewed as providing a check on government power and limiting the discretion of elected officials.
Generally, the law is created through two channels: statutes and administrative law. Statutes, such as federal laws passed by Congress and signed into effect by the President, provide general rules for society. Individual states also create laws through legislatures, which are typically made up of a senate and house of representatives. These legislative bodies often draft bills that are sent to the governor (acting like a president for a state) for signature. When a governor disagrees with the provisions of a bill, he or she can use his or her veto powers to prevent its passage.
Aside from legislation, the law can be created and interpreted through judicial decisions and legal precedent. Some nations, such as the United States, employ a common law system in which judges base their decision on previous decisions that are compiled into a casebook. In contrast, other countries, such as Japan, have civil law systems in which judges follow detailed codes that outline the procedures for deciding cases.
Some legal scholars delve into the philosophical foundations of law, arguing that some concepts are inherently unknowable and cannot be proven scientifically or rationally. For example, natural-law theorists argue that individuals possess certain “God-given” or “natural” rights that can never be taken away by the government.
Other legal experts focus on the practical application of law. Contract law, for instance, deals with the rules that apply when people exchange goods and services. Tort law covers civil claims such as automobile accidents and defamation of character, while property law establishes the rights and duties of citizens with regard to tangible possessions. In the field of immigration law, a lawyer can advise clients on the process for obtaining citizenship or gaining asylum in a particular nation-state. Regulatory law encompasses the regulation of industries such as energy, water, and banking. A legal researcher can also explore a number of specialty areas, such as criminal procedure and evidence law.