Law is a set of rules enforceable by social institutions. These institutions include courts, government, and private actors. Laws serve to protect individual rights and maintain a stable status quo. They also protect minorities against majorities.
Some of the main legal issues facing the world in 2020 include healthcare, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and human trafficking. Articles on law describe the significance of law to these issues, and explain how they affect the lives of individuals.
For example, criminal laws enforce penalties for breaking the law. In addition, they are designed to preserve the relationship between state and federal governments.
A key aspect of law is that it is publicized. It can be a good idea to look for information on law and the criminal justice system at your local government’s website. You may also consider joining a study group. Study groups can help you work through tough concepts and get meaningful feedback.
In some countries, law is based on religious precepts. Jewish Halakha is a traditional Jewish law, while Islamic Sharia acts as the source of further law through Qiyas and interpretation.
Legal systems are also based on civil and common law. The latter is less formal than the former and requires less detailed judicial decisions. Common law systems, however, explicitly acknowledge that judicial decisions are “law.”
Unlike civil law, common law systems are based on a doctrine of precedent. This means that the decisions of a higher court bind future decisions of lower courts.