Law is a set of rules created by the state which form a framework to ensure a peaceful society. These rules can be enforced and sanctions imposed if they are breached. The law shapes politics, economics, history and society in many ways. The law defines and restricts freedoms, imposes responsibilities and regulates activities. The law can be written or tacit, explicit or implicit. It can be a constitution or a set of laws and policies established by a government. It can be a code of conduct or an agreement between individuals. It can also be the basis of a treaty or other international agreement. An article is a rule that can be part of a constitution, code or statute.

Law can be divided into criminal, civil and administrative law. Civil law covers issues between individuals, such as property disputes, accidents or defamation of character. Criminal law includes offences against the state, such as terrorism or murder, and the punishment of offenders. Administrative law is a subset of civil law which covers government regulations and procedures. It may include regulating the way businesses are managed, how trials and appeals are conducted or what materials are admissible in court.

The concept of law is complex, and different people have different ideas about what it is. Some of these ideas have led to controversial and contentious debates. However, the prevailing view is that the law is a set of rules that people must follow, and that there are four main purposes to which the law should serve: establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights.

In addition, the law lays down guidelines for how people can work together to achieve their own goals, such as by creating trusts or using contracts. The law can also govern the behaviour of public officials, such as police officers and judges. It can also establish a hierarchy of rights, with some being more important than others.

The legal system varies between nations and is defined by the state’s constitution and its laws. Some countries use common law, which is based on decisions made by courts, while others have civil law systems which are influenced by religious, social and cultural traditions. In some cases, the legal system can be shaped by the colonial experience, as when the British Empire imposed its law on India and other colonies. The law can also be shaped by cultural differences between ethnic groups, as when Hindu and Muslim laws are compared with the common law. In addition, there are a number of international legal agreements. These include the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These are binding upon signatory states. However, not all countries honour these agreements. In the past, dictatorial regimes have often reneged on their commitments to international law. This has weakened the credibility of the law. In the future, there is a need to improve the global legal system and make it more credible, fair and transparent.