Law is a set of rules that defines a system of societal behaviour and enables society to function properly. Generally, laws are made by the state and enforced through the courts. People who break the law are punished. The most important laws are those that protect the safety of people and the environment. Laws also define property rights. They include land law, which covers ownership and possession of the earth or things attached to it; and property rights in movable objects, such as cars, jewellery or computer systems, which fall under intellectual property, company and trust laws.
The main purposes of law are to regulate, maintain order, settle disputes and protect people’s liberty and rights. The precise functions of law vary between nations; for example, a dictatorial government may keep the peace and maintain the status quo, but it can also oppress minorities and other political opponents. A democratic government may serve the same goals as a dictatorial one, but it will also aim to promote social justice and provide for orderly, peaceful social change.
Each nation has its own legal tradition, influenced by the language, culture and religion of its inhabitants. For example, the Chinese legal tradition combines traditional and Confucian principles with Western law. India’s legal traditions incorporate Indian and Islamic elements. Japan, Malaysia and Brunei have adopted the common law of England. In addition, there is a growing interest in the legal systems of countries in eastern Asia, which have a combination of secular and religious influences.
The study of law includes philosophy, history and sociology. Philosophies of law, such as utilitarianism and natural law, examine the nature of law and its relationship to morality. History of law examines the evolution of the legal system and the impact of events on it. Sociology of law looks at the way laws are created, enacted and enforced in societies. It examines the role of lawyers, judges and other members of the legal profession in a society. It also looks at the effects of law on society, including the societal effects of crime and punishment.
A lawyer tries to solve problems for people by studying the law and applying it to real-life situations. Lawyers must be good communicators, and they must be able to think clearly under pressure. In addition, they must be able to analyse and interpret evidence. They must also have a good understanding of the technical aspects of the law, such as contracts, property and torts. They need to be able to make sense of complex issues and arguments and have the courage to challenge the views of others. They must also be prepared to take on new challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. This is a challenging career and it can be very rewarding. Some lawyers specialise in particular fields, such as family, immigration, international and employment law. Others work in large firms or for government. There are also specialist areas such as biolaw, which examines the intersection of law and the biological sciences.