A law is a rule made by an authority that citizens must follow or face punishment. It may also refer to a set of laws, such as all the laws of a nation. Some examples of laws include the ones against stealing, traffic violations and murder. Law can also mean a general idea, such as the idea of justice or fairness.
The meaning of the word “law” varies widely, based on location, time and institution. The discipline and profession of law deals with the customs, practices and sets of rules that are recognized as binding by a community and enforced by a controlling authority such as governmental or social institutions. Societal viewpoints on rationality, order, morality and honesty influence the definition of law as well.
For example, John Austin’s utilitarian definition of law argues that it’s “commands, backed by the threat of sanctions, from a sovereign to his subjects, to whom they have a habit of obedience.” Other writers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Aquinas and Bentham argue for what is sometimes called a natural school of law, in which a legal system reflects a fundamental moral and unchanging order that humans are born with and must obey.
The legal systems of different nations and cultures have their own unique laws, but there are some common features to them. These are usually related to a constitutional structure, written or not, and a legislative process that creates laws. The laws that are enacted, whether by Congress or a national or local government, are then interpreted and applied by judges and lawyers.
There are many different areas of law, including criminal, civil and administrative. The laws of a particular country deal with issues like freedom and privacy, marriage, property, crime and punishment. Contract law, for instance, regulates the exchange of goods or services. Tort law covers cases in which people are injured or have their property harmed, such as car accidents and defamation of character.
Other law concerns the relationship between a person and the state, such as the right to vote or the obligation to pay taxes. Labor law encompasses the tripartite relationship of worker, employer and trade union and includes the right to strike. Laws of procedure and evidence determine how a case is tried or appealed.
A bill that becomes a law begins with a proposal from a member of a Congress. It is then assigned to a committee, where it is studied and debated. A conference committee is then formed of members of the House and Senate to work out differences between their versions of the law. When the conference committee completes its work, the final bill is sent to both houses for approval. If the law is approved, it will become a part of the national or local constitution or ordinance. If it is rejected, the original proposal will be revised and resubmitted. The whole process of creating a law can take years or longer. Laws may also be amended, or revoked.