The Different Ways That the Law is Defined
Law is a set of rules created by the state that form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. If those rules are broken they can be enforced and sanctions imposed. But there are deeper dimensions to the Law than simply its rules. The study of Law is about examining these different layers that make up the law.
The Law sets standards, maintains order, resolves disputes and protects liberties and rights. Each of these are important in a nation, and different legal systems do each of them differently. For example, an authoritarian government may keep the peace and preserve the status quo, but it might also oppress minorities or political opponents. This is why so many people want to live in a country with a democracy where the power to create and enforce laws is shared amongst the whole population.
One of the ways that the Law is defined is by how it treats the rich and poor. The concept of fair treatment under the law is a key theme in discussions about Justice, which has been defined as the right of every person to have their basic needs and desires met. But how the Law defines these needs is the source of much debate.
Another way that the Law is defined is by what it tells us about our world. The Law gives us the context and vocabulary to describe the things that happen around us, such as a traffic accident, a criminal prosecution or a shaming story in the media. The laws that we have in our country help us to understand the way our world works and give us the tools to change it for the better.