Law is a set of rules and regulations created by the state that form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. It is enforced by the state, and if it is broken then sanctions can be imposed. There are different opinions on what exactly constitutes a law, but most agree that there are a number of key elements that must be present. These include: supremacy of the law, accountability to the law, equality before the law, and participation in decision-making.
Legal systems are all very different and differ widely from one nation to another. The main functions of a nation’s laws are to (1) establish standards, (2) maintain order, (3) resolve disputes and (4) protect liberties and rights. The way in which a legal system accomplishes these functions is what distinguishes one from another. For example, an authoritarian regime may keep the peace and maintain social stability, but it could also oppress minorities or political opponents (e.g., the Nazis killed six million Jews and Saddam Hussein tortured his political opponents).
The term law has multiple meanings that reflect its multifaceted nature. It can be a system of rules that governs human relationships or a branch of jurisprudence. The word itself is thought to be derived from the Old Norse l
The many branches of law reflect the varying needs of humans and societies. For example, contract law regulates agreements between people involving the exchange of goods and services. Property law determines people’s rights and duties to tangible assets, such as their homes and cars, and intangible assets like bank accounts and stocks. Labour law deals with the tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade union. Commercial law encompasses complex areas such as agency, insurance and bill of exchange law.
The language used in law articles tends to be more formal than that of other types of writing and often uses technical terms. This is because the law is a discipline that involves a great deal of reading and research. Regardless of the style, law articles should be clear and concise. Using short paragraphs and bullet points, as well as simplified terminology for readers unfamiliar with legal jargon, will help ensure that the article is readable by non-lawyers. The use of scholarly sources is also important to demonstrate that the writer has researched the topic and understands it thoroughly. This will enhance the credibility of the article and improve its chances of publication in a law review or similar journal. It will also increase the reader’s understanding of the subject matter and provide a better context for applying it in their own professional lives. A legal article should also be cited properly. This will prevent the writer from being sued for plagiarism. For further guidance on this, see the Citation Manual of the American Law Association.