Law is a set of rules that are enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior and maintain order. Laws govern everything from a person’s freedom of expression to how much of their property they can own. Law also protects individuals from discrimination and ensures that their rights are not violated.

The precise nature of law is a matter of debate and it varies across time and place. The term can be taken to mean the system of laws that a nation or community has in place, but it can also refer to any rule or collection of rules that governs particular situations, such as contracts, etiquette, or safety standards. The field of study that studies laws is called jurisprudence and it is a discipline that has developed alongside the growth of society.

In modern society there are many laws in effect, ranging from the most minor to the most significant. The fundamental purposes of these laws are to establish standards, keep order, resolve disputes and protect liberties and rights.

These laws can be categorized into three broad categories: civil, criminal and constitutional. Civil law encompasses the vast majority of laws, regulating such areas as contract and property law, as well as laws that address conflicts between individuals. It can include tort law, which covers injuries and property damage to people and things. It can also include criminal law, which deals with offenses against the state or individual and includes crimes such as murder and robbery.

Civil law is based on the Roman and canon law traditions and still exists in continental Europe, Africa and Asia. Countries in these regions have kept parts of this tradition, while adding a strong focus on individual freedom. It is a major force in the world today, covering about 60% of the population.

Constitutional law is the branch of law that is concerned with how a government is structured and operates. Its purpose is to ensure that the laws of a country are consistent with its democratic principles and that the people have control over their own lives. It is an important factor in maintaining a democracy and ensuring that the people are not exploited by power-seeking groups.

A legal principle that is not required to be ruled on in a particular case, but which a judge may choose to apply anyway. This is often referred to as an obiter dictum. In practice, obiter dictums are often not followed by the courts, as they can be considered a form of judicial activism. However, it is becoming increasingly common for judges to use obiter dictums to provide guidance to the lower courts. This can help to improve the consistency and quality of the rulings in cases. This is especially true in cases involving the human rights of individuals. The higher courts have a responsibility to ensure that the law is applied fairly and impartially, no matter who it applies to. This can be difficult in cases involving the rights of a minority group or those with a religious belief.