Law is a set of rules that are created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a subject of longstanding debate. Among the most important purposes of law are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberty and rights. The study of law encompasses a number of fields, including legal history, philosophy, and economic analysis.
In the Bible, the law is that part of Scripture that condemns sinners for breaking God’s moral requirements. It shows the need for a Savior to redeem sinners.
The law may be defined as a collection of normative and descriptive statements about what people ought to do or not do. The law’s descriptive character is distinguishable from the normative statements in empirical science (as with the law of gravity) and even social science (as with the law of supply and demand).
A law may be a written constitution, statute, regulation, or judicial ruling. A person who is the victim of an automobile accident or defamation of character may file a civil lawsuit against those responsible. Criminal laws deal with offenses against the state or local community and provide for their punishment.
The system of law in a particular country or region is called its legal tradition. It is often based on an earlier system that was established in a different region or time. For example, English common law grew out of the medieval Law Merchant, which focused on contracts and the alienability of property. The Law Merchant was eventually incorporated into the civil law systems of Europe, which were then used by countries around the world, with some modifications based on local custom and culture.