A law is a set of rules established by social or governmental institutions to govern behavior. These rules can be enforced by the state, resulting in statutes; or privately by individuals through contracts and arbitration agreements, which are often binding on parties. The law is a major source of stability and order in society. It can be a source of morality, as in “You cannot kill another human without breaking the law.” It can also act as an obstacle to growth and change, as in “We are not allowed to open more stores in this area because it would violate zoning laws.”
A person’s sense of right and wrong and understanding of how a legal system works influence his or her relationship with the law. In some cases, this can be a major factor in whether or not someone chooses to study law and become an attorney.
The exact definition of law is a matter of debate. Some argue that it simply refers to any rule or regulation made by a government. Others suggest that it is more specific than this and includes any system of rules that a group of people accepts as binding upon them.
Regardless of its precise definition, law is a major component of all societies. It guides business, politics and daily life. Many different fields of law exist, each governing a particular aspect of human activity. For example, contract law regulates agreements to exchange goods or services and may encompass everything from buying a bus ticket to trading options on the stock market. Tort law covers wrongful actions that cause harm to a person or his or her property, such as an automobile accident or defamation of character. Property law defines a person’s rights and duties toward tangible assets, such as land or buildings, and intangible assets, such as bank accounts and shares of stock.
Laws can be created by a legislature, resulting in statutes; by the executive through decrees and regulations; or by judges through case law, which is sometimes binding on future court decisions. Individuals may also create laws through legal contracts, which are often binding on their successors.
A lawyer’s job is to understand and explain these different fields of law to clients. Some lawyers specialize in certain areas, such as corporate law or civil rights. Choosing a field of law is an important personal decision, as it will determine the type of work an attorney will be involved in and the clients that he or she will represent. For this reason, it is essential that a potential attorney have a clear sense of purpose and passion for the field. This will make him or her a better attorney and give the client confidence that his or her interests are being represented fully. This is particularly important in a world where technology has increased the speed at which information is transmitted and new legal issues are constantly emerging. This is the kind of challenge that attorneys are drawn to.