Law is a set of rules, created and enforced by social or governmental institutions, that regulate behavior. It is a system that ensures that people or communities adhere to the will of those in power by imposing sanctions, such as fines or imprisonment, on those who disobey. Law is also a system for determining right and wrong, though it may not always reflect the values of individuals.
Most societies have laws that prohibit certain actions, such as stealing, because the society believes those acts are wrong and could harm others. These laws are called criminal laws, and the penalties for breaking them are punishable by the state, such as fines or imprisonment.
There are many types of law, each with its own specific purpose. A common type of law is civil law, which governs relationships and transactions between human beings. Another type of law is family law, which governs marriage and divorce. Other types of law include constitutional law, tax law and space law.
A lawyer or judge is a person who practices law, and there are a number of professions that deal with the law, such as solicitors and barristers. These professionals deal with issues relating to the law, such as helping clients, representing them in court and making decisions. They can also act as arbitrators in legal disputes.
There are four principal purposes of law: establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights. These functions are performed by government institutions, including courts and police, and also by private organisations such as corporations.
The legal framework for each of these functions is shaped by the principles, values and traditions of the society in which it exists. The extent to which these influence the law and its enforcement is a source of constant debate.
Modern political systems have expanded and the powers of governing bodies, such as military, police and bureaucracy, are greater than ever before. These new kinds of power pose special challenges to accountability, and have reshaped thinking about the extension of the state.
A wide variety of law exists, covering almost every aspect of human interactions and transactions. The fields of law are grouped into categories by the function they serve, and some examples are air law; bankruptcy; civil rights; commercial law; criminal law; labour law; maritime law; medical jurisprudence; property law; and tax law. Civil law, which covers relationships between people and between people and things (rather than involving the state), is based on concepts, categories and rules derived from Roman law, and has been codified in countries such as France, Germany and Austria. In mixed jurisdictions, it coexists with customary and religious law, for example in Africa or on islands such as the South Pacific. It has also influenced the legal systems of some colonized countries such as Egypt or India.