Law is a set of rules and regulations that govern social relations. They are enforceable by governmental or social institutions. There are three kinds of laws: state-enforced, commercial, and civil.
State-enforced law is made by the executive branch through decrees or by a group legislature. Common-law legal systems explicitly acknowledge decisions by courts as “law.”
Commercial law involves the rights of people and businesses. These include property and contract law. This includes real and intellectual property. Other areas of law include family law, immigration, and consumer law.
Civil law refers to judicial decisions and legislative statutes. It is less detailed than common-law, and involves decisions written to resolve one case at a time.
Religious law is based on religious precepts. Examples of these laws include Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia.
Legal issues often arise unexpectedly. Some examples are issues involving money, housing, and problems at work. A legal issue may not be obvious, so it is important to seek the advice of a lawyer.
Law has been described as the art of justice. When a person has been accused of a crime or has a legal problem, a lawyer can help to settle the matter. In addition, some law schools allow their students to practice pro bono with real-life clients.
The International Law Commission was established in 1947 by the General Assembly. It aims to promote the progressive development of international law. Members represent the principal legal systems of the world. Their work includes consultation with UN specialized agencies.