Law is the discipline and profession concerned with the body of customs, practices, rules, and codes that are regarded as binding by a community and enforced by its controlling authority. The social viewpoints and values that shape laws reflect societal viewpoints on rationality, justice, morality, order, and honesty. Laws may be created and enforced by a group legislature or by a single legislator, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations, often codified in federal regulation; or through judicial decisions, resulting in case law. Private individuals may also create legally binding contracts, enforceable by the courts.
The law is fundamentally a product of politics, and the political landscape varies from nation to nation. A stable political system is required for the creation and enforcement of laws. In most cases, it is the people or groups that command military power that have the ability to impose their will on the population and make and enforce laws. Each year, there are many revolts against the existing political-legal structures in various nations around the world. These are usually based on the aspiration for greater “rights” for citizens or the desire for democratic rule.
In addition to the traditional core subjects of criminal, constitutional, and administrative law, the study of law can encompass a range of other disciplines and fields that are important to society. These include public international law, property and trusts law, contract law, tort law, family law, and private equity. The legal field is also a rich source of debate, discussion, and scholarship in areas such as the philosophy of law, the sociology of law, and the history of law.
A lawyer’s job is to assist individuals, families, and businesses with their legal issues and concerns. This can involve litigation, but it can also encompass negotiation, arbitration, and settlement. Many lawyers work in government, law firms, and corporations. They are often well paid, and their careers are highly respected. Lawyers must have a high level of critical thinking skills, as well as excellent communication and writing abilities. The career of a lawyer can be very rewarding, but it is a demanding and time-consuming profession.
When considering whether or not to pursue a law degree, prospective students should weigh the costs and benefits carefully against other options. It is advisable to speak with professionals in the field to learn about their experiences and to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a lawyer.
For more information about the law, see the articles on legal education; legal philosophy; and the sections on censorship; crime and punishment; and war and the military. For a more detailed description of historical and contemporary legal systems, see the articles on Chinese law; civil law; common law; Egyptian law; Germanic law; Greek law; Indian law; Japanese law; Roman law; Scandinavian law; and Scottish law. For an examination of the social and psychological consequences of law, see the article on jurisprudence. Also read the articles on political structure; political party; and political ideology.