Law is the set of rules enforceable by social institutions. It is a discipline affecting all aspects of life.
The concept of law has a historical basis. Ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato, viewed it as an art of justice. However, later writers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who defined law as moral laws of nature, suggested that it was a science.
In modern times, law is typically overseen by a government. Some jurisdictions use a common law system, while others follow a civil law system.
Common law legal systems are based on the notion of precedent, which means that a judge’s decision binds future decisions. This is different from case law, which is based on concrete facts and regulations.
Criminal law is a field of law that focuses on the prosecution of criminals. It is usually based on Supreme Court rulings.
In contrast, civil law legal systems are shorter, relying on less detailed judicial decisions. These systems include legislative statutes and judicial decisions.
Some of the most common legal issues include immigration, housing, and debt. These issues can arise for a variety of reasons, such as a sudden illness or problem at work.
Several of the most important legal issues for 2020 are healthcare, environmental protection, and LGBTQ rights. While the specific issues will vary by jurisdiction, they all share one key feature: the need for a legal solution.
The United Nations has called for the Organization to help settle international disputes, and to promote progressive development of international law. Members of the International Law Commission, which is made up of 34 members from the world’s leading legal systems, address these issues.