What Is Law?

Law is the set of rules enforceable by social institutions and governmental bodies. It is an important aspect of politics, economics, and history. While it has often been described as a science, it also has a moral component.

Law is a vital part of people’s access to justice. In order to become a lawyer, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in law. You then need to pass a qualifying examination. Higher academic degrees include a Master of Legal Studies or a Doctor of Laws.

There are two main types of legal systems: civil and common law. The former is generally shorter and less detailed, while the latter is based on judicial decisions. Both share many of the same features.

Common law legal systems incorporate doctrines such as precedent. This means that a decision made by a higher court binds all lower courts. Judges do not have a purse, so they do not command the police or army.

The United Nations and international bodies are responsible for promoting progressive development of international law. They have addressed issues including human rights, migrant labour, drug trafficking, and protecting the environment. Their work continues to focus on these areas.

Civil law refers to the civilian legal system in continental Europe. This includes the legislative statutes and judicial decisions. Generally, it is the least formal legal system.

There are several legal subdisciplines, such as business, sales, and transactional law. These disciplines are closely related to commercial and property law. Other subjects that fall under this category include evidence law, labour law, and election law.

Religious law is another type of law that is explicitly based on religious precepts. Some religious traditions, such as the Quran, act as a source of further law through interpretation and consensus.

A key legal issue in 2020 will be healthcare. The federal government’s Rehabilitation Act will require health care employers to set diversity goals. Meanwhile, immigration and LGBTQ rights are also top priorities.

In many common law jurisdictions, judges are obligated to acknowledge decisions made by the executive branch. However, a perfect statute may be rescinded or overruled. Similarly, laws that are made by group legislatures or a single legislator are considered state-enforced.

A modern lawyer is usually a qualified professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Law or a Juris Doctor. He or she will need a special qualification and will typically be regulated by an independent body.

Among the most important aspects of civil law is its use of legal syllogism. While both legal systems utilize argumentative theories, there is a distinct difference between methods of legal reasoning and methods of interpreting the law.

Legal syllogism involves the use of the golden rule, teleological interpretation, and directives of linguistic interpretation. Additionally, the Quran acts as a source of further law through Ijma and Qiyas.

Election law is a subdiscipline of constitutional law that addresses voter registration, electoral fraud, and voting machines. It is also used to resolve electoral silence.