Law is a set of rules governing a society that sets standards, maintains order, resolves disputes and protects liberties and rights. The definition of law is complex and many books containing numerous different ideas about the meaning of law have been written. In general, laws regulate behavior, ensure justice and equity, provide fairness in decision-making, and encourage social change without disrupting stability.
Law permeates every aspect of life, influencing relationships, commerce and governance. Contract law outlines agreements to exchange goods or services; tort law defines harms – ranging from an automobile accident to defamation; and property law governs people’s rights and duties toward tangible property, including real estate and personal possessions. Law also governs the movement of people and goods across borders (international law); terrorism, fraud and racketeering are covered by criminal law; and the rights of families are regulated by family law.
Those involved in the administration of law must be competent and ethical. Laws must be transparent and accessible; and the process by which decisions are made must be open and free of bias. In addition, the law must be stable and just, as well as enforceable. Civil and criminal procedure laws define the rules by which courts operate as trials and appeals are conducted. Evidence law determines which materials are admissible in court and how a case should be built. Laws must be reviewed, and adjustments made, as societal views evolve over time. This is known as legal history.