Law, sometimes referred to as justice, is a set of rules that govern social institutions and people. It’s also a science that serves as a mediator between people and institutions.
There are three main types of laws: civil, criminal, and regulatory. Each of these is different from the others.
In common law jurisdictions, courts use a doctrine of precedent, which means that decisions made by one court bind later similar cases. This is often considered the working definition of the rule of law.
In a common law legal system, a law is defined as a rule enforceable by governmental or social institutions. It can be created by a group legislature or by a single legislator. Typically, a law will have an executive branch that implements it.
A law can also be written on paper or enacted by decree. These are commonly known as statutes.
The rule of law has been described as the art of delivering justice to the community. This is done by a combination of impartial representatives and adequate resources.
Depending on the type of law, a case can be handled by a full court, or it can be referred to a special chamber for further consideration. In the United States, this would usually take place in the district court or at the Supreme Court. In some countries, a larger court might be needed, especially in important cases.
Those who practice law are called attorneys. They generally have a degree or qualification from an academic institution. A higher academic degree includes a Master of Laws or a Juris Doctor.