‘Law’ is an abstract term that refers to a set of rules that are enforceable by social institutions and governmental organizations. It has a wide range of functions, including creating and enforcing economics, politics, and society. The term can refer to both public and private international law, as well as to the law of supranational organisations.

Law is an area of study that is studied by those who hold a higher academic degree, such as a Doctor of Laws. A bachelor’s degree in law is usually a prerequisite to becoming a lawyer. In addition, modern lawyers are required to pass a qualifying examination, such as the Bar Professional Training Course.

Law can be divided into two general categories: civil law and criminal law. Both systems share many characteristics. Civil law systems include judicial decisions, legislative statutes, and other enforceable rules. Common law legal systems also include the doctrine of precedent, which means that court decisions bind future decisions.

The concept of law is often associated with morality. The idea of natural law emerged in ancient Greek philosophy and later entered mainstream culture through writings of Thomas Aquinas. It has been said that law is the “art of justice” and “moral laws of nature”. However, the concept of morality is often debated.

In many countries, the term law is used to refer to the rights of individuals and groups. These rights include the rights of individuals to work in a nation-state, the right of asylum for foreigners, and the rights of children and families. In many countries, law is also used to refer to the rights of people to participate in a democratic society.

There are also a number of specific subfields within law. For example, labour law, which deals with collective bargaining, has a very specific meaning. Similarly, family law concerns the rights of individuals to care for their children and maintain their property. However, the term “law” is often broader and can also include areas such as intellectual property law, consumer rights, and immigration law.

Another type of law is religious law. There are several religious laws, such as Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia. Generally, religious law is based on religious precepts, but it can be interpreted and applied in different ways. Some church communities, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, only use Christian canon law, while others, such as the Catholic Church, use religious law.

In the United States, the term “law” is also often used to refer to federal regulation. Federal regulation is a type of law that is made by a single legislator or group of legislators, or by an executive through decrees. Federal regulation has survived multiple legal challenges, and continues to be in effect as of January 1, 2021.

In contrast, criminal law concerns the rules of courts and the process of arrest and prosecution. A criminal case often involves both sides of a controversy, which are heard by the court.

Another common type of law is commercial law. Commercial law is a type of law that regulates commercial practices, such as contracts and the sale of goods. Commercial law also includes the law of trusts, mortgages, and company law. In addition, consumer law, which is an area of law dealing with consumer rights, has a number of specific regulations.