Law is a system of rules established and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. The precise definition of law has been a subject of longstanding debate, but it is generally understood to include all rules created and enforced by authorities that seek to control behavior. The study of law encompasses a wide variety of subjects, including the legal system itself, laws, rules and their interpretation and application. The word law comes from the Latin “lex”, meaning “a thing made or ordained.” The practice of making and enforcing rules is referred to as the legal profession, and those who work in this area are called lawyers and judges.
The primary function of law is to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected, and this is the most common definition of law. Laws can protect people from discrimination and other violations of their civil liberties, protect property and help to keep society safe. The law can also establish and uphold the rights of individuals, groups or the state.
Other important functions of law are to maintain peace, preserve the status quo, promote social justice and encourage orderly social change. Different systems of law serve these purposes differently. For example, an authoritarian government may keep the peace but it can oppress minorities and retard social progress.
There are various theories about the origin of law. Some scholars believe that it is a manifestation of societal norms and beliefs. Others argue that law develops naturally, based on the natural laws that govern the universe and human beings. Still others posit that the law evolves as administrators (such as judges and lawyers) apply their understanding of moral principles to their interpretation of legal texts.
Because the law is a human construct, it cannot be proven with absolute certainty. There are too many variables involved, including the shape of the physical world and the limitations of human mental capability. The laws of nature, for instance, cannot require people to behave in ways that are impossible or against their natural instincts.
The development of law is a complex process that involves many subjects and a number of subtopics. Some subjects include the law of contracts, constitutional law, criminal law, family law, labor law, administrative law and property law. The law of contracts, for example, includes rules regarding the formation of agreements and the rights and obligations of parties to such agreements.
Another important topic in law is the rule of precedent, which states that a judge’s previous decision can be used as a guide for future decisions. The famous lawyer William Blackstone argued that, “If it be clear that a former determination is contrary to reason, much more should it be opposed to divine law.”
Other subjects in the field of law are tort law, which deals with the rights and liabilities of those who cause injury to others; admiralty law, which regulates maritime activities; and evidence law, which covers what types of materials a court can admit when building its case against a defendant.