Law is a system of rules that govern the behaviour of people. This is enforced through social institutions such as the courts and the police.
Law can be made by a collective legislature, by an individual legislator, through decrees or regulations, or through binding precedent, normally in common law jurisdictions. The law shapes politics, economics, history and society in various ways and serves as a mediator of relations between people.
Definitions of Law
The word law comes from the Latin word legis, which means “rule.” In English, it is defined as a definite rule of conduct. It is backed by the sovereign power of the government and is a uniform rule of conduct that applies to everyone within a particular territory.
Legal Tradition
A legal tradition is a set of deep rooted, historically conditioned attitudes about the nature of law. These traditions are influenced by a country’s cultural and historical background.
Constitutional Character
A constitutional character of a law is the way in which it is interpreted. There are originalists who believe that the text of a law should be read literally, and purposivists who seek to understand it in terms of its intent.
Treatises and Formality
A treatise is a scholarly legal publication that covers a specific area of law. They are often multiple volumes and provide in-depth commentary and analysis. These are helpful to consult when you are seeking a definitive answer to a question. You can find them in print or on Lexis Advance, Westlaw, and other legal research platforms.