Law is the system of rules that a place or community sets up to make sure that people treat each other fairly and respect their property and rights. It includes regulations and policies that are enforceable by means of the police or courts. Different places have different systems of law, but they all aim to provide a framework for society and ensure that everyone has the same protections and opportunities.
Law shapes politics, economics, history and society in many ways and is an essential element of social justice. It is used to manage conflict between people and businesses, and between groups of citizens and governments. It also provides a foundation for other types of public policy, such as education and health care.
A legal system is a set of rules that governs a country or region, and it consists of a constitution, written or tacit, laws, and customs. Most countries have a constitutional government, with a parliament or congress that is elected by the people for a limited time to deal with overall policy and legislation. The constitution outlines the general structure of the state, and additional laws are added as needed for specific areas of concern.
The different areas of law cover a wide range of topics, from the rules people must follow to get work and build a career (labor law) to the rules that protect things like privacy and property (property law). Banking and financial laws regulate how banks operate and help to prevent economic crises. Environmental laws help to preserve natural resources and protect the health of people who live near industrial sites.
People who break the rules of law are punished by the police or courts, depending on the type of crime they commit. The most serious violations of the law may result in prison sentences or other large fines. People can also be sued for a variety of reasons, including negligence or defamation.
Most nations have a system of law that reflects their own culture and social history. Religious texts have been major sources of ideas about the law throughout much of the world, as have family and social customs.
Laws vary widely, but most include some basic principles, such as the right to privacy and equality of all people before the courts. Laws are made and enforced by a professional group called the judiciary, consisting of judges and magistrates who decide on cases. There are also lawyers, who study and argue the law in court and work with the judicial system to interpret and apply it. These professionals are sometimes known by titles that show their status, such as Esquire to indicate a barrister of greater dignity or Doctor of Law, to indicate a person who has earned a PhD in Law.