Law is a set of rules that governs social institutions and individuals. It affects virtually every aspect of our lives.
The practice of law is usually overseen by a government. A law professional typically holds a degree such as a Juris Doctor. However, the profession is also governed by other forms of regulation, such as the Bar Professional Training Course.
Law is often described as an art of justice. It is also a mediator of relations between people and their society. This is reflected in the way laws are created.
Law can be split into three categories: common law, civil law and religious law. Each system shares many characteristics with the other. Common law systems include a doctrine of precedent, which means that court decisions bind future decisions. Civil law legal systems, on the other hand, are shorter and require less detailed judicial decisions.
Religious law, like Islamic Sharia, explicitly bases its precepts on religion. Other types of religious law are Christian canon law, which is still in use in some church communities.
Regardless of its origin, law is a vital part of our society. It shapes the economy and politics, as well as history. Typically, the legal system is overseen by an independent regulating body.
Common law legal systems have a strict definition of what constitutes a legal issue. For instance, there are a number of examples, such as a personal injury case, a dispute over an inheritance, or the right to return a property that is unjustly acquired.