What Is Law?

Law is the set of rules that govern a particular community. It is enforceable through the means of a controlling authority which can be a governmental or social institution. The main functions of law include regulating human actions and activities, controlling crime, maintaining order, resolving disputes, protecting liberty and rights and providing justice. Different people have various viewpoints and definitions about what a law is.

For example, according to a utilitarian definition by John Austin, “law is the aggregate set of commands, backed by the threat of sanctions, from a sovereign, to his subjects.” Other views, such as those of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Hans Kelsen, propose that laws must be based on natural principles of right and wrong, morality, and order.

While there are many types of law, some of the most common include property, criminal and family laws. In property law, the ownership of land or property is determined by title and registration. This covers mortgages, rent agreements, covenants and easements. Other areas of property law are intellectual property, trusts and commercial law. In criminal law, the crimes committed against a person or their property are defined and punishable by the state.

A career in law is becoming increasingly popular among young people due to the fact that there are many different types of laws that govern the everyday life of a person. A lawyer is a professional who is trained to advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. In addition, lawyers are also qualified to make decisions and give punishments.

As the importance of the law is increasing, it is vital to create awareness about the importance of this discipline in a society. The law is an important tool in preventing crime and ensuring that there are equal opportunities for all citizens. However, it is not easy to define the law as it has several aspects. It is important to note that laws are constantly changing, and it is difficult to keep up with all the new developments in the field of law.

Oxford Reference provides more than 34,000 concise definitions and in-depth, specialist encyclopedic entries across the whole breadth of this wide-ranging discipline. The series is complemented by authoritative and accessible commentary and a wealth of charts and chronologies. In addition to core criminal and civil law, the series includes international law, business and contract law, family and employment law, and major debates in legal theory. This is the perfect resource for students and professionals at every level of study. It is also an invaluable companion for anyone who works with the law on a daily basis, including police officers, judges and barristers.