Law is the set of rules that are created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to govern human behaviour. It is a source of scholarly inquiry in legal history, philosophy and sociology, as well as in economic analysis and politics. Law provides four principal services: it establishes standards, maintains order, resolves disputes, and protects liberties and rights.
The primary purpose of Law is to promote and maintain a level of equality and justice in society. This is accomplished by regulating the conduct of individuals, groups and businesses to prevent exploitation and unfair competition. Law also provides a framework for resolving disagreements and providing compensation when harm has occurred to people or their property. Law can also protect individuals from unjust treatment by others or from oppressive governmental policies.
A second purpose of Law is to provide uniformity and certainty to the administration of justice. This is achieved by putting all cases on an equal footing and ensuring that the same rules are applied in all situations. It also avoids the danger of arbitrary, biased and dishonest decisions by judges because a judge’s personal opinion cannot be used as a basis for a decision.
Thirdly, Law ensures that the interests of society are protected and that the people can depend on the courts for fair protection. This is accomplished by allowing the courts to correct errors in the interpretation of the law and by establishing a clear system for resolving disputes between private parties.
Fourthly, Law promotes and sustains a sense of community and shared values among the citizens. It provides a common foundation and an important focal point of the community’s identity, fostering feelings of belonging and preventing divisions that could threaten the unity of the nation.
The law is an essential tool for a functioning democratic society and the foundation of any government. It is a powerful tool that can be abused when governments seek to control the economy or restrict the freedom of their citizens. The drafting of laws can be lengthy and complex, especially in countries with bicameral legislatures (such as the US Senate and House). It can take up to a year for a draft bill to go through each chamber and arrive in the final form that is then submitted to the executive branch for approval.
There are many career paths available to those with a degree in Law. Some graduates choose to become a Lawyer, and there are many large firms that offer excellent training and mentoring programs to help new lawyers get started. Other graduates decide to study for a PhD in Law, which can lead to a teaching or research position. In the United States, there are many scholarships and fellowships available to qualified students pursuing a Law degree. In addition to academic opportunities, many law schools have special clinics where student lawyers work under the supervision of experienced attorneys. These externships give students valuable experience in a real-life environment.
