Law is a system of rules created by social or governmental institutions to control human behavior. It has been variously described as either an exact science or the art of justice.
Law serves to establish standards, uphold order, settle disputes, safeguard liberties and rights, and foster a fair society. Additionally, it shields people against arbitrary actions taken by government or other entities.
Criminal laws – These define crime elements and its penalties, such as jail time, fines or community service. Additionally, they specify how to commit a crime and file a complaint.
Courts – Juries are responsible for adjudicating cases. These include judges who hear arguments and make the final determination; lawyers who provide support by researching issues and crafting opinions.
Lawyers – Legal professionals trained to practice law. By law, they must possess a degree from an accredited institution, hold either a law license or professional qualifications such as bar admission.
Trial: In a legal dispute, two or more parties (plaintiff and defendant) appear in court to defend against accusations made by another party (respondent). Depending on the nature of the case, it could either be decided by the court or resolved through mediation or other methods.
In the United States, law is generally understood to refer to a set of regulations imposed by courts and enforced by government authorities. Different types of law exist, such as common law and civil law.
