Law is the set of rules and principles that governs a society. Its a complex concept, and is the subject of a wide variety of scholarly inquiry into such fields as legal history, philosophy, social science and economic analysis. It also raises important and challenging issues concerning equality, fairness and justice.
Legal systems vary greatly from nation to nation, and largely depend on the political landscape that gives rise to them. Typically, criminal laws deal with conduct that is considered harmful to social order, and civil law deals with the resolution of lawsuits (disputes) between individuals or organizations.
Resolving Disputes
Disputes are unavoidable in a well-ordered society that is composed of persons with different needs, wants and values. The law enables the resolution of these conflicts without direct confrontation – through the courts.
Protecting Rights
In a society with laws, all citizens are protected against discrimination and unfair treatment by the state. The laws are designed to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their wealth or status in life.
Some theories of the law are idealistic, and believe that the laws are created by God, or have been divinely decreed by a supreme being. Others have more concrete and pragmatic definitions of the law, which are based on the consequences that follow from certain actions or inactions. Examples of these include the law of supply and demand, or the law of gravity.