What Is Law?

Law is a set of rules that govern the actions of individuals and institutions. Its origins are rooted in ancient Greek philosophy.

In contemporary society, it refers to the system of courts and judicial processes. These courts have jurisdiction over a wide variety of issues. They deal with matters such as crime, divorce, immigration, housing problems, money, and business agreements.

Laws may be statutory, regulatory, or case law. Statutory laws are written laws, while regulatory and case laws are court decisions.

The first category of laws, statutory, is a written document that is passed by legislatures. This type of law can be used to establish rules for a state, city, or community. Often, the legislative body is elected.

The second category of laws, regulatory, is a document issued by a government agency. Regulations relate to the provision of public services, such as water or gas.

The third category of laws, case law, is a court decision that decides a particular legal matter. Case laws are sometimes less formal than a judgment by a judge.

The fourth category of laws, religious law, is based on religious precepts. Among the religious sources of law are the Quran, the Ijma, and Qiyas.

One of the founders of sociology, Max Weber, said that the rule of law is “the art of justice.” He described law as a system of rules that are enforceable by governmental and social institutions.

Law is a system that shapes the course of history. It also shapes the social relationships of people.