Law is a set of rules that a society recognizes as binding and enforceable on its members. Its purpose is to maintain order, settle disputes, protect liberties and rights, promote social justice and manage social change. It also serves as a means to control behavior by using penalties for those who do not follow the law.
Law can be made by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; by executive decrees and regulations; or by judges in common law jurisdictions through case law. It can be applied by public agencies or private individuals, who can use contractual agreements and arbitration as alternative legal processes to standard court litigation. Private laws may be based on traditional, cultural, or religious practices.
A country’s system of law is known as the rule of law, which refers to a principle that all members of a society, including those in government, are subject to publicly disclosed and equally enforced legal codes and procedures. This entails adherence to international human rights standards and norms, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, and the use of impartial and independent adjudicators.
In practice, some countries have more effective legal systems than others. For example, an authoritarian state may keep the peace and maintain the status quo while protecting minorities against majorities, but it can also oppress political opponents, suppress free speech, and block social reform. Similarly, some legal systems are more transparent and fair than others, with governments held accountable to their citizens.
The study of law focuses on the development, history, and justification of legal systems. It examines the relationship between law and other societal values, and considers the role of ethics in judging and interpreting the law. It reveals the many adjustments and justifications that have been made in law over time, from utilitarian reasoning to ancient and religious beliefs about the nature of morality.
Other areas of law include administrative, contract, criminal, employment, family, property, and tax law. Laws governing the environment, health, and safety are other important fields. Laws governing relationships between nations and between people are of crucial importance to international relations and foreign policy, as well as regulating commerce.
In addition, law focuses on the practice of legal affairs and lawmaking, and on the legal profession itself. It is sometimes seen as a keystone of democracy. Articles that explore these aspects of law are the legal profession, legal education, and lawmaking. Law is a complex and thorny field that can encompass many different viewpoints, from the morality of the law to its effectiveness in promoting social justice. Oxford Reference offers authoritative, in-depth and up-to-date coverage of this vast area through expert-written entries that are accessible to researchers at all levels. Our law articles feature concise definitions, encyclopedic content, and detailed charts to help you find the information you need.