Law is a system of rules that governs the conduct of people and the relationships among them. It includes principles and procedures for deciding disputes and settling conflicts; for protecting property; and for punishing criminals.
Legal rules and practices differ from place to place, reflecting cultural and social conditions as well as political and military power. A nation’s law is its fundamental governing structure, and its laws reflect its history, values and culture. The laws of a country are usually understood to be those that have been written or voted into effect by its government.
A written document that sets out the rules, policies and practices of a court or government agency. A law may also refer to a specific case or dispute.
The formal accusation that a person has committed a crime; it is used primarily for felonies.
a judge’s instructions to the jury in a trial about how the law applies to the facts of the case.
binding precedent – A decision by a higher court that must be followed by a lower court, unless there are compelling reasons or significantly different facts.
The law is not a scientific process, as it cannot be tested empirically; it is dependent on the shape and limitations of the physical world and the abilities of humans.
The law is made by people with political and military power, and the people may revolt against their existing governments in order to change the laws. Laws are generally considered to be good or bad, depending on whether they promote human rights, protect property and privacy, provide for a stable economy and fair treatment of citizens.