Law is the set of rules enforceable by social institutions. It ensures that people have rights such as property rights, contract rights, and procedural rights. In some countries, laws are enforced by governmental institutions such as a court or legislature.
Law can be created by governments or private individuals. It can also be based on religious beliefs. The Quran and Jewish Halakha are examples of religious law.
Law can be used to define the social structure of a country. It serves to regulate the economic, political, and cultural activities of a society. As a result, it is often a source of orderly and stable social change.
Law is a profession and requires a special qualification. Most modern lawyers are required to have a Bachelor of Civil Law or a Master of Legal Studies.
The practice of law is typically overseen by an independent regulating body. The legal profession is an important part of a person’s access to justice.
Various legal systems are described in the common law. These include the doctrine of precedent, which means that decisions of higher courts are interpreted by lower courts. Other examples are evidence law, which is the admissibility of materials in courts.
Generally, the practice of law is regulated by the government. Some of these systems are more comprehensive than others.
Governmental authority to enact laws is a function of political power. Generally, a nation’s laws are created by the government, but they can be created by a single legislator or by a group of legislators.