Law is a body of rules made and enforced by governments or other authorized institutions. It serves several functions, but the four main ones are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights.
Modern law has evolved in response to changing social circumstances. Its formal sources are statutes and judicial precedents. Other factors that influence legal decisions include the principles of morality, equity, justice, and professional opinions.
These days, laws are enacted by legislative bodies that represent the interests of society as a whole. They are enforced by government agencies and interpreted by courts of justice. The law serves to ensure that people comply with the rules and are punished if they don’t.
Law is a field that encompasses several subjects and areas of study, such as criminal law, torts and family law. The former deals with offences against the state and can be punishable by imprisonment or fines. The latter involves compensation for harm or injury to persons or their property and can be awarded by civil courts.
The law can be a powerful force for good or evil. It can help prevent people from engaging in heinous crimes, like murder, but it also can be used to manipulate and control society. For example, the law can prevent workers from striking for higher wages and other benefits. The laws of a country are determined by the power balance between the ruling class and the working class. This imbalance can be exacerbated by the use of violence.