Law is the body of rules and regulations that govern the relationship between people. It covers a variety of areas such as crime, business, and contracts. Throughout the course of history, various legal systems have been developed and applied.
The basic categories of law are: criminal law, civil procedure, and property law. They describe the rights and duties of citizens. Property rights include rights to land, money, and other items that are attached to or are under the ownership of a person.
Several different types of laws are created and enforced by government institutions. These include state-enforced laws, court decisions, and regulations. Other types of law are made by private individuals or organizations. Some of these are contract and intellectual property laws.
Law also serves as the basis for social and political change. It is used to promote the maintenance of individual rights and to prevent infringements on the rights of minorities.
Legal matters may arise from issues such as marriage, divorce, housing, and money. Legal problems also can come from sudden events, such as a burglary. If you are accused of a crime, you may be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
For instance, the rights of a person to work in a nation-state are governed by immigration law. Similarly, the rights of children, marriage, and other members of a family are protected by family law.
A law school is an institution that trains students for careers in the legal field. Most law schools have a highly structured first-year curriculum. The first semester includes a study of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and civil procedure.
