What Is Law?

Law is a set of rules enforceable through social institutions. It serves as a mediator between people and provides orderly social change. These rules can also protect individual rights and property rights.

The power to make laws is a function of political power. An authoritarian government, for instance, may oppress its people and suppress minorities. In this situation, it can be difficult to establish the rule of law. However, if a legal system is well developed and is applied evenly, it is fairly effective.

A law is an official document which can be passed through a government or a court. There are several common types of laws, which include state-enforced laws, which can be created by an executive or a group legislature, and common law, which is a legal system that recognizes the decisions of the courts as “law”.

Laws also regulate business transactions. Common examples of laws affecting businesses are contracts, securities, intellectual property, and banking law. Laws can be either civil or criminal.

Some of the most common issues in the legal arena are: immigration, housing, and consumer rights. Those who are interested in studying law should enroll in a summer exploratory program. Students can also learn more by joining student organizations.

During the first year of law school, students focus on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They also study pretrial procedures, the structure of a lawsuit, and the trial process. As their legal knowledge grows, they learn to prepare cases, conduct research, and take exams.