Law is the set of rules that form a framework for a well-run society. It governs a nation’s social and economic order and provides a basis for resolving disputes. Laws are enforceable by the state and, when violated, can result in punishment. The precise definition of law is the subject of longstanding debate. It can be created by a group legislature, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or established by judges through precedent, which is the case in common law jurisdictions. It may be augmented by private laws, such as contracts or arbitration agreements.
Legal systems differ significantly across nations, reflecting cultural and historical influences and adherence to international standards. A legal system may be secular or religious, with some following scriptures or treatises as their sources of law. It may be a civil or common law system, with some countries following a more structured legal code while others follow a more fluid interpretation of justice and law.
The purpose of law is to maintain peace, the status quo and protect minorities against majorities. Some legal systems are more effective in accomplishing these goals than others. For example, a country ruled by an authoritarian government may keep the peace and uphold the status quo, but it may oppress political opponents or other groups that are not aligned with its interests.
In contrast, a democracy with a rule of law provides an environment in which people of all ages and social classes can expect to be treated fairly. The rules of law also help to protect against corruption and other forms of malfeasance.
A key to a successful legal system is a high level of public trust in the law and a willingness by citizens to comply with its requirements. This requires a sense of fairness and a commitment to impartiality in the administration of justice, along with a free press and other checks on the power of the state.
Laws can be categorized into various fields of study, depending on their application. For example, competition law enforces antitrust laws by regulating business practices to prevent businesses from dominating markets and distorting prices. Labor law defines the rights and duties of employees, ranging from wages to workplace safety. Tort law deals with personal injury claims arising out of accidents, such as car crashes or defamation.
Legal fields can be further subdivided into several areas of specialization, such as constitutional law, criminal law and property law. Constitutional law encompasses the legal rights and responsibilities of a nation’s people, while criminal law applies to offenses against the community as a whole and property law defines the rights and duties of individuals toward their tangible and intangible possessions.
The study of law is a broad and varied field, with many areas of research and practice. The first student edited law review was founded in 1952, at the University of Oslo and the University of Bergen, under the name Jussens Venner (Norwegian for “The Law Review”). The journal is now published by a consortium of Norwegian universities.