What Is Law?

Law is an interesting and rewarding career for those that are willing to work very hard. It is also a very well respected degree that can open doors in many different fields. Studying law can be a very challenging experience for most people and not for the faint of heart. It is one of the most difficult degrees to get and it takes a lot of dedication to succeed. Anyone that is successful in this field is usually very smart and well respected.

Law refers to the rules created and enforced by governmental or social institutions in order to regulate and direct behavior. The precise definition of law has been the subject of much debate, but it is generally accepted that laws are rules that must be obeyed or sanctioned by those in power and that they have the force of coercion to make citizens obey them.

The main functions of law are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights. However, the specific purpose of law varies from nation to nation. Authoritarian nations often use the law to keep the peace, maintain the status quo, and protect their own economic or political interests. Democracies, on the other hand, may use the law to promote social justice and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in society.

In most legal systems, the law is divided into legislative statutes and judicial decisions. Statutes are detailed and prescriptive, while judicial decisions are based on precedent and are intended to resolve specific cases. The doctrine of stare decisis, in which the decisions of higher courts bind lower ones, is generally applied to ensure consistency in case law.

Most legal systems also have professional groups to help implement, interpret and apply the law. Examples include:

Attorneys – represent defendants and plaintiffs in civil and criminal trials. They can be either private or public and they can specialize in particular areas of the law. Public defenders are attorneys for the government who represent people who can’t afford to hire their own lawyers in criminal cases.

Judges – oversee and decide criminal and civil trials, including appeals. They can be appointed or elected and they must meet specific qualifications. Prosecutors – prosecute crimes on behalf of the government and try to convince a jury that the defendant committed the crime. Appeals court judges – hear appeals from those who were not satisfied with the original decision of a trial judge.

Paralegals – assist attorneys with research and writing of legal documents. Paralegals can be found in almost all types of organizations, from government agencies to banks and corporations.

The study of Law is a fascinating and complex subject. It is important to have a good understanding of the legal system and be able to read and interpret legislation. It is also essential to have excellent interpersonal skills in order to interact with clients and colleagues. The law is a very dynamic and constantly changing field, so there is always something new to learn.