Law is a system of rules created by the state that forms a framework to ensure a peaceful society. If these rules are broken, sanctions can be imposed on the offender. Law is a broad term which can be applied to many different fields, from criminal law to contracts and even human rights. The word can also refer to the profession of lawyers and judges, whose work is based on interpreting and applying these laws.
There are many different opinions about what law is, and a great deal of debate has occurred over this subject. Some of these arguments revolve around the definition of power, with some believing that the purpose of law is simply to enforce the will of the sovereign. Others believe that a morality must be involved in the making of law, while still others argue that there are unchanging laws of nature. The utilitarian theory of law, popularised by John Austin, remained the dominant view until the 20th century, and influenced many modern legal philosophers.
Most countries have some form of law, with each having its own set of regulations and rules that govern its citizens. Some of these laws are specific to certain groups, such as children and young adults, or the rules that apply to drivers. Other laws are general, and cover all citizens of a country, such as the prohibition of stealing. The most basic element of law is that there are consequences to breaking the rules, for example being jailed or fined.
In common law systems, decisions made by courts are explicitly recognised as “law” and placed on an equal footing with legislative statutes. This is based on the doctrine of stare decisis, wherein decisions by higher courts bind lower courts and assure that similar cases will reach similar conclusions. Civil law systems, on the other hand, are based on concepts, categories and rules derived from Roman law, with some influence of canon law and often supplemented by local custom or culture. Civil law systems are found on all continents, covering about 60% of the world’s population.
Other areas of law include immigration, which covers the rights of foreigners to live and work in a country; family law, covering marriage and divorce proceedings; and corporate and commercial law, dealing with business transactions and money. There are also special laws about certain natural resources, such as water, which are regulated by law to make sure they are available for everyone. Other laws are set to protect the environment, and some are set by religious bodies. There is also a growing field of law that deals with the intersection of science and technology, known as biolaw. Some of these laws regulate the testing and development of new medical treatments, and others set standards for environmental protection. Biolaw has become especially important as scientific advances are being used to develop new drugs and genetically modified crops. These laws are often controversial, as they can have both positive and negative effects on society.