Law is a set of rules that regulates the conduct of a society and is enforced by a controlling authority through the threat of penalties. Law shapes politics, economics, history and society in many ways. The concept of law varies significantly from nation to nation. The nature of the state is a key element in the development of law. Many legal theorists argue that law is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
The purpose of the law is to provide a framework for orderly social change and to guarantee the basic rights of individuals. However, a state’s capacity to accomplish these goals depends on the political climate in which it operates. In countries with autocratic regimes, it is difficult to create a system of laws that is free from corruption and oppression. In such cases, the law fails to serve its primary functions.
In contrast, democratic governments are more likely to provide a stable foundation for the development of law. While democracies do not eliminate the possibility of criminal acts or civil wars, they make the process of lawmaking much more transparent and accountable to citizens. It is also possible for citizens to vote out government officials if they are not performing well. This is the main feature that distinguishes democracy from autocracy in terms of the development of law.
Law may take the form of statutes, ordinances, or common law. The United States, for example, uses a common law system where laws are developed from judge decisions in trial cases that have been brought to court. Other nations, such as Japan, use a civil law system in which judges follow specific codes when making their decisions.
The discipline of law is studied at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The most prominent universities worldwide have law schools that offer degrees in the subject. Students who wish to pursue a career in the law usually complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree before going on to study for a Master of Laws or Doctor of Laws.
A law article is a written piece that explores a specific legal topic. It could be an analysis of a recent case or the effect of legislative changes on an existing area of law. Generally, articles are written by legal practitioners or academics. Those who wish to write an article for a law review should find a narrow and well-defined legal issue that is suitable for scholarly investigation and critique.
Oxford Reference provides a comprehensive collection of concise definitions and in-depth, specialist encyclopedic entries for all aspects of law. From criminal, commercial and company law to international law, family law and employment law, the articles are written by trusted experts and provide an authoritative source of information for researchers at every level. The site’s streamlined design makes it easy to navigate and provides quick access to essential legal concepts. Oxford Reference’s articles also contain cross-references to related topics for further research and reading.