Law is a set of rules created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate human behaviour, settle disputes, and protect individual liberties and rights. The precise definition of law is a subject of debate and there are many different theories on the nature of law. In general, however, laws are formulated to govern human behavior and the conduct of individuals and groups in order to maintain order and advance communal well-being.

The primary function of law is to establish standards that command what is right and prohibit what is wrong, and to enforce these commands by punishing those who do not comply. This is what distinguishes law from mere politics or philosophy, and it is what gives the legal system a distinct character, making it separate from empirical science or even social sciences such as economics. The law is also the channel by which people communicate with one another, as it sets out codes of conduct, etiquettes and morality. For example, it is a common rule of law that married individuals should not cheat on each other.

Law has various other functions and serves to keep civilizations in order, but these are secondary to the above. For example, if there was no law to prohibit adultery and other immorality, society would be in chaos. It is therefore important for the existence of civilizations to have laws that set the expected code of conduct and etiquettes for individuals to follow in order to live together peacefully as communities.

As such, law is a complex field and requires considerable study to understand it. In addition, there are many different perspectives on law and it can vary widely from country to country. Nevertheless, there are a few broad theories of law that have been established as a basis for legal studies.

These theories are important as they give a clear idea about the structure of law and how it works in a particular jurisdiction. Moreover, these theories help in defining the role of the law and how it should be used in society.

Among the most popular theories of law are the natural law theory, the utilitarian theory and the morality theory. Each of these theories has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the natural law theory has been proven as a useful and effective model for understanding and practicing law.

While the theory of natural law can be useful and a basis for legal studies, it cannot be applied universally as it is very subjective and cannot be applied to all societies. In contrast, the utilitarian theory of law is more objective and can be applied to all societies. It is therefore a more suitable theory of law for most jurisdictions. The morality theory of law is based on the principle that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and no one should be treated unfairly. However, this theory is not applicable to all societies as it can be easily corrupted by those in power.