Law is a body of rules and regulations that governs the actions, interactions, and relationships of people and communities. These rules are enforced through a system of authority and may be expressed as legislation, custom, or judicial decisions.
Law serves many purposes, including establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting rights and liberties. The nature of a law depends on the type of society and its governing institution. Some societies, such as the United States, employ a common law system in which judges make decisions on individual cases and these are compiled to form case law. Others, such as Japan, employ a civil law system in which legislative statutes and regulations set out clear rules that courts must follow.
The discipline of law encompasses an array of subjects, from tort laws relating to accidents and injuries to constitutional law that regulates the structure and function of government. A society’s laws also may include religious precepts, such as Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia, which are interpreted using principles of interpretation such as Qiyas, Ijma, and consensus.
A career in the legal profession offers numerous benefits, from building a strong professional network to making an impact on your community. But before you can take advantage of these rewards, you must be ready to study law. Ave Maria School of Law is here to help you navigate this exciting and complex field. Learn more about our outstanding legal education program, and get started with your future.