Law encompasses a broad variety of concepts and issues. In the simplest sense, it is a set of precepts and guidelines geared to control human behavior and keep societal order. It also deals with issues of justice, morality, reasons and honesty from both judicial and societal perspectives. It also has to be interpreted and adjusted for the different civilizations it operates in. This is why studies of law are so important – they present insights into the adjustment and justification of laws over time and the evolution of legal systems as societies change.

A law may be a written rule made by an authority, such as a constitution or a court ruling. It can also be a societal norm, such as an unwritten tradition or an instinctive response to a situation. Alternatively, a law could be a rule created by an individual. For example, a parent’s house rules could be described as a law that must be followed. Similarly, someone who is trying to save his or her own life in the face of danger would be obeying the law of self-preservation. A law can also be an idea or concept, such as a principle of fairness or an ethical position against cruelty.

While many of the above definitions emphasize a particular area of the law, a general definition is more appropriate. The word “law” refers to any system of enforceable standards or rules governing the conduct of humans. This encompasses everything from a set of rules to govern driving to the set of procedures for valuing companies in bankruptcy.

The term law may also be applied to an entire legal system, such as the civil or common law of a country. While the differences between civil and common law are significant, both systems incorporate the same essential elements of law – a body of enforceable standards, a mechanism for resolving disputes and a means of punishing wrongdoers. The legal systems of the world differ greatly, however, as each society has its own culture and traditions.

Various theories of law exist to explain its role in the world, with some arguing that it has an intrinsic value. Others argue that it simply serves a social function and coerces people. The utilitarian theory of law, formulated by John Austin and influenced by Bentham’s ideas, remains popular, while natural lawyers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, contend that the laws of nature are unchanging and reflect a moral stance.

Law shapes politics, economics, history and society in a multitude of ways. To learn more about this topic, see articles on the law as a profession; legal education; and legal history. Articles on specific areas of the law include contract law, which outlines agreements; property law, which defines ownership conditions and rights; criminal law, including rape; and a number of other topics. For additional reading on law and its relationship to other disciplines, see sociology of law; philosophy of law; and history of law.