What Is Law?

Law is the body of rules created by a particular society or governing authority to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a matter of debate. Laws are enforced through the threat of sanctions from a controlling authority. Laws can be made by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; by an executive through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through precedent, as in common law jurisdictions. Private individuals may also create legally binding contracts.

A key function of law is to provide a guideline for situations that may arise but are not expected to happen, such as rape or theft. The existence of such a guideline provides a sense of safety and security to a society. Laws are created and enacted for various purposes, including maintaining order, resolving conflicts, protecting rights, and promoting social justice. In a society, laws can be divided into civil and criminal. Civil law deals with individual disputes, such as a dispute over ownership of property or a divorce. Criminal law involves the punishment of criminals and is generally governed by a constitution or other written text.

The underlying principle of law is accountability and fairness. Laws should be clear and publicized and enforced consistently and impartially. It should protect individual freedoms as well as community and social justice, for example through a minimum wage and the right to trial by an independent judge. It should also ensure that governments and other public officials are accountable to the law.