Law is the set of rules established by a society and enforced by its institutions that govern human conduct. It regulates what a person may or may not do, protects individual rights and property, provides for social change in an orderly manner, defines criminal conduct, and ensures a fair trial. Law has many branches and encompasses a vast array of topics and issues. It is a complex subject with a unique methodology that makes it different from other sciences or disciplines (see legal science).
The law is more than an instrument of justice; it is also a political system and a culture. It is an important factor in peace, stability, and economic development; it enables society to organize itself, establish order, and control excess.
It is generally accepted that the primary purpose of law is to promote and preserve individual rights, which are enforceable by courts; this is known as the “doctrine of due process.” The law may also be used to protect people from exploitation by others; this is called social justice. It may also be used to maintain social stability by regulating activities such as the sale of land and property, the manufacture of weapons and other devices of destruction, and the distribution of water.
Legal systems vary widely across the world, and they are affected by the history and culture of the society in which they exist. For example, a law that was developed under Roman occupation was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy and the detailed rules were elaborated on by professional jurists. The law of England, which became the basis for the common law in the United States, was based on a system of precedent and judges’ decisions rather than legislative statutes.
In some countries, the law consists of religious precepts and is written in the form of the Bible or Quran. Those laws are often used as a guide for judges and courts in other parts of the world.
In a court of law, the judge is the chief authority, and the other judges are referred to as “judges.” Lawyers represent the parties in a case and present evidence that supports their position to the judge(s). The judge(s) decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. If a verdict is reached, it is recorded on the docket or official record of the court. If a case is considered especially important, the full court might decide it instead of a smaller group of judges; this is called sitting en banc. An appeal from a judgment of a lower court to a higher court is sometimes made on the grounds that there was improper procedure during the trial. Appeals are usually heard en banc. For more information, see arraignment; appellant; and judicial review. For a discussion of the relationship between law and other subjects, see law and philosophy; criminal law; and legal research and writing. Also see law and religion; and jurisprudence.
