What is Law?

Law is the set of rules created by a state that form the framework to ensure a peaceful society. If these rules are broken sanctions can be imposed. The laws of the country are enforced by mechanisms created by the state and are usually applied to all citizens regardless of their social status. In addition to ensuring peace, laws help in the resolution of disputes. For example, if two people claim the same piece of land, it is up to the courts to decide who is the rightful owner.

While the precise definition of law has been a source of much debate, it is generally agreed that it is a system of social control that regulates the actions of individuals and groups. It is also often regarded as a tool for social engineering and is used to fulfil the needs of society.

Roscoe Pound, one of the most influential thinkers in this area, suggested that law is a “social technique” that functions to control human behavior and achieves social ends. This understanding is widely accepted today and is the basis of modern legal systems around the world.

The earliest scholars of this subject were fascinated by the concept of law and spent considerable time discussing it. Their efforts resulted in many books and discussions of the topic. While most people understand that laws are a means of social control, there are some who argue that law is nothing more than power backed by threats. However, this view of the law is flawed in that people have a say in the creation and implementation of the laws they follow. They can vote for government officials and, in a democratic republic, those who are not performing their duties can be removed from office.

There are several articles on this site that address the various aspects of Law. Some of these include legal theory, legal practice and the history of law. For articles describing the relationship of the law to political structures see constitution; ideology; political party; and political system. Other articles deal with legal education; legal profession; and legal ethics.

Law is a large and complex subject. The discipline of law covers a wide range of topics including: labour law (e.g., the tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade union), property law (including ownership of real estate) and criminal law and civil procedure (e.g., which materials are admissible in a court case). It is an important part of the life of a civilized society and is constantly evolving. In this way it is similar to language which changes with the use of the language and the evolution of the ideas behind it. Law can be studied at a university and is taught by lawyers and jurists. Some of the main sources of law include a country’s constitution; statutes; executive decrees and regulations; the common law; and religious laws such as Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia. Some of these are based on ancient traditions, while others are based on more recent history.