Law is a collection of rules that govern people’s behavior and social institutions. It has been referred to as a science or the art of justice. In some places, laws are created by a single or group legislature. In others, they are enacted by judges and the executive through decrees. Private individuals can also create legal documents, such as contracts or arbitration agreements.
Law is important in providing people with access to justice and is an integral part of modern society. The social institutions that make up civil society are vital to the functioning of a society and are the basis of law. During G20 meetings, the executive branches of the various countries meet to discuss a variety of issues related to law.
Almost every area of life is affected by law in some way. It is broadly divided into three major categories: criminal law, contract law, and evidence law. Criminal law deals with criminal offenses and is often governed by public law. Civil law deals with civil disputes between individuals and governmental bodies. Environmental law, meanwhile, stems from 1970s federal enactments that forced government agencies to consider the environment before proceeding with projects.
The study of law involves a complex process of research and analysis. Professors generally do not lecture, but instead use questions to teach students how to analyze case law and understand complicated concepts. They have seating charts with the names of their students, so they can call on students quickly if necessary. These questions are often related to the case law and may analyze a hypothetical fact pattern.