Law is the study of the rules and regulations that govern a society. It is a branch of the social sciences, and is sometimes referred to as the science of justice or the art of justice. In a common law jurisdiction, law is made by a legislature, while in a non-common law jurisdiction it is the responsibility of the executive and judges. Laws are also created and enforced by private individuals, such as in the form of binding contracts or arbitration agreements.
Law serves many purposes, including maintaining peace within a nation, protecting minority rights, promoting social justice, and bringing about orderly social change. Some legal systems are better at serving these functions than others. For example, authoritarian governments often oppress minority groups and political opponents. Other nations, such as the UK and the United States, have imposed peace to foreign countries in exchange for a certain level of economic and political power.
The study of law covers a wide variety of topics, including legal training, history of the discipline, and legal theory. Many articles discuss important current issues and examine the role of the legal system in societal structures and institutions. Other topics include the relationship of law with other fields, such as the social sciences and humanities. Some law articles also discuss various legal systems from different parts of the world.
Legal professionals who practice law usually have a wealth of experience in various fields. They may be experts in a particular area, such as personal injury. A lawyer can help victims of personal injury recover damages.