The Basics of Law

Law is a branch of social science that concerns the application of laws. These laws are used to resolve a variety of problems. For example, immigration law deals with rights of foreigners to live and work in a nation-state. It also addresses the problems of statelessness. Other common legal issues include family law and divorce proceedings, and issues relating to money and property.

The practice of law is a way to ensure that individuals, organizations, and governments adhere to the rules set by their societies. Law is an important part of society, influencing political, economic, and social life. It also serves as a mediator in relationships among humans. In addition to regulating the rights of citizens and businesses, law has the power to regulate the conduct of individuals.

While there are many primary sources available for law research, it is often useful to consult secondary sources in order to get a better understanding of a particular area of the law. These sources include legal encyclopedias, case summaries, and law journals. These can be especially useful for researchers who are unfamiliar with a particular area of the law.

The United Nations has a legal branch called the International Court of Justice. It is the primary deliberative body of international law. Many multilateral treaties are adopted and ratified by this body. Moreover, the Legal (Sixth) Committee advises the General Assembly on substantive legal issues.