Law is the set of rules that governs society and keeps people in line. It’s enforced by a government with penalties for those who break the rules. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the legal field or careers like Zola’s dream of becoming a lawyer.
Different schools of thought have different views on what law is. One theory is that laws are simply indisputable facts about the world and the forces that make it work. Another view is that law describes what must happen, but doesn’t necessarily explain why it happens. Finally, Hans Kelsen developed a theory of law that defines it as a normative science, meaning that the laws must change along with the needs of society.
Constitutional law deals with the structure and powers of a government, how that government is organized, and fundamental rights for citizens. Criminal law deals with punishment for crimes and how courts hear and review cases. Administrative or regulatory law consists of the rules and regulations, generally developed by executive and administrative bodies, to implement statutes.
Employment law focuses on the tripartite industrial relationship between employer, worker and trade union. This includes collective bargaining and the right to strike. Property law focuses on ownership and possession. This can include land, or real property which is fixed to a specific location, or personal property which is movable such as cars, jewellery and computers. Evidence law is the study of what materials are admissible in court for a case to be built.