Law is a system of rules, enforceable by governmental and social institutions. It ensures contract rights, property rights, procedural rights, and human rights. In addition to this, it shapes society and politics.
Legal institutions should be accessible to all people and should protect them from abuses of power. The rule of law also requires the impartial application of a clearly drafted statute. Moreover, it is important that the law is based on the norms and values of the community it serves.
Common legal issues include immigration, family, and consumer rights. There are also many legal problems that arise unexpectedly. These could involve a person being accused of a crime, a problem at work, or an event planned by someone else.
Governments can make laws, which are enforced by courts. Several countries also have common law jurisdictions, where judges in a particular court decide cases. Common law legal systems are characterized by the doctrine of precedent, in which decisions of higher courts bind lower courts.
Other kinds of law are religious and civil law. Religious law is based on religious precepts, such as the Quran. Civil law legal systems are characterized by less-detailed judicial decisions.
A distinction between the two is made by the concept of “natural law”. This term originated in ancient Greek philosophy, and was later revived through writings of Thomas Aquinas. Despite its origins, the notion of “natural law” has been problematic for modern theories of the rule of law.
Accountability is a special concern with the use of modern military and policing power. The idea of accountability is also complicated by the fact that there is no single government that is responsible for all aspects of life. As such, the question of official discretion is an ongoing debate.
Although there is no universal definition of the rule of law, there are four universal principles that have been used to formulate a working definition. Each of the principles is tested by a variety of experts around the world.
Rule of law is an ideal that has been part of political tradition for millennia. It is often accompanied by a concept of equality before the law. When it comes to law, however, it is important to remember that there is a vast range of different types of law.
The law is made up of three basic categories: legislative, judicial, and administrative. Legislative statutes are created by the legislature, judicial decisions are made by the courts, and administrative policies are established by the government. Some of these regulations have been imposed on industries such as water, gas, and telecoms. Lastly, private individuals may be allowed to create contracts that are legally binding.
Modern lawyers are typically appointed by a government or a law-making body and must have a minimum education and qualification. They are required to pass a qualifying examination and to obtain a law degree. Professionals can also qualify through a Master of Legal Studies or a Bar Professional Training Course.