Law is a system of rules and procedures created and enforced by a government to govern the behavior of its citizens. It is used to ensure fairness, order and justice in society. Law is the product of human action and it is shaped by the political landscape, which differs from nation to nation. The principal functions of law are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights. The creation and enforcement of laws is accomplished through a variety of mechanisms, including legislation, executive decrees, and judicial decisions. The discipline and profession of law is broad, with many specialties within the field, such as administrative law; air law; banking; contract; constitutional law; criminal law; family law; labor law; maritime law; property law; and tax law.
There are numerous theories of the nature and purpose of law. Hans Kelsen developed the pure theory of law, which states that the law is a “normative science.” The law consists of predetermined patterns that humans must follow to achieve harmony and prosperity. This system is constantly influenced and improved by social changes.
Another theory of the law states that the concept of law is a social phenomenon, which is constantly changing and evolving. The idea of law is based on the fact that the people want order and security, which are achieved through the rule of law. The principle of law requires that all institutions, both public and private, be held accountable to a set of clear and consistent laws. They must be publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated. These laws must also be based on international legal norms and standards and reflect the diversity of societies and cultures.
While the principles of law are universal, the exact form and application of laws differ from nation to nation. Laws can be made by a group legislative body, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or by judges, resulting in judicial decisions that are binding on lower courts. Some nations have a legal tradition that is rooted in their culture and custom, while others have an Anglo-Saxon-based system that is more codified.
Laws are an essential aspect of every society. Without them, there would be chaos and a lack of security for all. The creation and enforcement of laws is a complex process that is shaped by the cultural and political environment in which it exists. Laws are not always effective, however. For example, a country with an authoritarian regime may be able to maintain order and impose stability but at the expense of minority rights and social change. Various attempts have been made to create more stable and democratic forms of governance. These include constitutional reforms, the rule of law and democracy, and the granting of political-legal rights to all individuals. The future of law will likely depend on a successful integration of these different ideas into the legal system. Various schools of thought have contributed to this development, including natural law; civil rights; jurisprudence; and international law.