Understanding Law and Legal Issues
Law is a set of rules that are enforced by governmental institutions. It protects rights such as property and human rights. A person can break a law and get in trouble.
Laws are created by the government or a group of legislators. Typically, it is the executive branch that enacts laws. These laws are generally made to maintain order and prevent abuse in society.
There are two basic types of legal systems: common law and civil law. Common law systems are more detailed and require more extensive judicial decisions. However, they acknowledge the decisions of the executive.
Civil law systems are more streamlined and only require a few judicial decisions. They are usually shorter.
Law can be defined as the art of justice. It shapes history, politics, economics, and social life. It is a stable, accessible, and fair process.
There are four universal principles that define the rule of law. They are reflected in the United Nations Charter and other international treaties.
In addition to these four universal principles, there are various sub-principles of the law. For example, there are criminal laws and rules that determine when a crime is against the law.
Legal issues can be brought about from unexpected or planned events. Often, these issues arise from problems at work, in family relationships, or when people are accused of a crime.
Law is also influenced by constitutions. Some countries have their own constitutions, while others have their laws governed by international treaties. The United States, for instance, has several different national laws, including immigration, child custody, and marriage and divorce law.