What Is Law?
Generally, law is a set of rules that are enforceable by governmental institutions. In the United States, this includes federal courts. However, the term “law” can refer to a variety of legal systems.
The first type is civil law. This is characterized by less detailed judicial decisions and legislative statutes. Common law systems explicitly acknowledge the decision of a court as “law.”
The second type is religious law. Religious systems such as Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia are based on religious precepts. They are often implicitly based on the belief that God’s word can be unchanged. The Quran is a source of further law through interpretation and consensus.
A third type of legal system is civil procedure. This includes the rules of courts, such as the law of evidence. It also covers property law, such as the laws of contract and land.
The most complex type of property law is land law, which concerns rental agreements and covenants. Personal property, such as movable objects, intangible rights, and intellectual property, are also included. These forms of property are regulated by the government.
Other areas governed by law include business, banking, and energy. These are regulated industries in most OECD countries.
In addition to the formal structures of law, the practice of law is typically monitored and overseen by an independent regulating body. This may be the government, a group legislature, or an individual.
The practice of law is a key component of people’s access to justice. A variety of legal issues exist, including the rights of individuals to money, housing, and immigration. These issues arise from a range of reasons, such as a sudden illness, an unexpected event, or a problem at work.