Law is a set of rules that governs human behavior and enforces those behaviors through penalties. The discipline of law is the study of this body of rules and the process by which it is made, enforced, and amended.
The main functions of law are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights. Different legal systems serve these goals differently; for example, while an authoritarian regime may keep the peace and maintain the status quo, it may also oppress minorities and prevent social change. The principal means of achieving these ends is through the judiciary system, which includes courts and judges.
A wide range of laws govern the conduct of individuals and businesses; these are referred to as civil law, criminal law, family law, labor law, maritime law, and tax law, among others. Each of these areas has its own subfields, such as contract law and property law.
Law is often viewed as a moral science, and the precise nature of its meaning is a subject of ongoing debate. Hans Kelsen, for example, has proposed the “pure theory of law,” which views it as a normative science that describes what people should do.
A legal career is an excellent choice for anyone interested in public service and the principles of justice. Lawyers, judges, and law clerks all play a critical role in the judicial process.
In the United States, the judicial system uses a common law model, where decisions are based on judgments by judges of previous cases rather than on statutes enacted by the legislature. In contrast, other countries use a civil law model, where decisions are based on codified rules that are generally not open to individual interpretation.
The Magna Carta established the principle of due process, which states that a person’s fate should not be in the hands of a single authority such as the king. This concept was an important step in recognizing that citizens are entitled to fair and impartial hearings in their quest for legal rights.
The legal profession is growing rapidly in popularity, and there are a variety of opportunities for those who wish to work in this area. There are many different careers within the field, from advising clients about their legal rights and responsibilities to representing them in court or delivering a verdict. There are also several specialized fields within the law, including administrative and constitutional law; criminal law; family law; labor and employment law; and property law. Law is also a broad academic discipline, with numerous journals and conferences dedicated to its study. The Oxford Companion to Law contains more than 34,000 concise definitions and in-depth, specialist encyclopedic entries on all major subjects in the law. This authoritative and accessible resource covers everything from criminal and civil law to family and constitutional law, and the most recent developments in the fields of international law and human rights law. It is designed to be used by researchers at every level, from students and general readers to experts in their chosen areas of law.