Law is a set of rules created by social or governmental institutions to regulate human conduct. Its precise definition is the subject of much debate, and its scope ranges from a scientific domain to a practical art. The law serves various purposes in a society, such as ensuring public safety and order and providing a framework for resolving conflicts. The law also shapes politics, economics and history in many ways. Its importance is reflected by its role in all societies, including those without formal legal systems.
The term law has been defined in many ways, and each definition reflects the ideas and beliefs of the individual. The most common view is that the law defines and enforces rules that individuals must follow. In this sense, the law is a means of social control that ensures cooperation and punishes people who do not obey it. Other views include the idea that the law is a system of justice or an instrument of enforcing morality.
There are a number of different ways the law is made, and it may be created by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; by an executive authority through decrees or regulations; or by judges through precedent, referred to as stare decisis. There are also private laws, which are created by enforceable contracts. These are generally enforceable even by non-governmental bodies, such as churches or corporations.
One of the most important purposes that the law serves is to help in resolving disputes. Even in the best-ordered of societies, conflicts can arise between individuals. Rather than fight over a piece of property, for example, people turn to the courts for an impartial decision. This is not a simple task, however, and it depends on the quality of the judiciary and its ability to remain objective.
The law also serves to promote social justice, which is the principle that everyone should be treated fairly. It helps insure that minorities are protected against majorities, that the poor have access to services and that property is not arbitrarily distributed. Various governments have different goals in this area, and some are more successful at serving these purposes than others.
Other important purposes that the law fulfills are preserving peace, maintaining the status quo and promoting social change. These are often influenced by the political philosophy of the government. For instance, authoritarian states may keep the peace and maintain the status quo, but they may oppress minorities or political opponents. A democratic state, on the other hand, will seek to balance these interests. This goal is often served by a separation of powers between the legislature, executive and judicial branches. The laws of a country are also shaped by its constitution, written or tacit, and the rights encoded therein. In addition, the law provides a framework for regulating commerce and financial transactions. These are the subjects of corporate, maritime and contract law.