What is Law?

Law is a set of rules that are created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a matter of longstanding debate.

A social rule is an agreement between two or more people that has a social consequence. Examples include agreements about when you can and cannot drive on the road, what you can and can’t buy and sell or how you can share information.

When someone breaks a social rule, they usually get into trouble with the person they broke it with. They also might have to pay a fine or pay a penalty.

The process that makes these laws is called enactment or legislation. It can be made by a group legislature or by a single legislator, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through precedent, usually in common law jurisdictions.

It is a comprehensive system of rules and principles arranged in codes and easily accessible to citizens and jurists. It favors cooperation, order and predictability, and it is adaptable to social change.

The main legal traditions in the world are civil law, common law, customary law, and Islamic law. These systems differ in their scope, organization, structure, and history but they all serve the same purpose: to secure rights and ensure justice in a society. They are based on universal principles such as equality, fairness, and freedom from discrimination. They also emphasize public policy and social control.