Law is a set of rules created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behaviour. Its precise definition is a matter of longstanding debate. However, it is commonly understood to include a set of principles or behavioural standards that are deemed to be of such important significance that they should be followed by all members of society. It is also often described as the ‘art of justice’, a system that attempts to balance the interests of different parties in a dispute and bring about a fair outcome for everyone involved.
The most obvious function of law is to keep the peace, maintain the status quo and protect individuals’ rights. However, it can also promote social justice and orderly social change. Some nations have more effective legal systems than others in achieving these goals. For example, a nation ruled by an authoritarian regime may keep the peace and preserve social stability but could also oppress minorities and limit freedom of speech.
In modern common law systems, decisions made by judges and barristers are recognised as law alongside statutes passed through the legislative process and regulations issued by the executive branch. This is known as the doctrine of precedent, or stare decisis. The principle states that rulings from higher courts must be followed by lower ones if the facts and circumstances are similar. This ensures consistency in the law and prevents different judges making conflicting rulings on similar cases.
It is widely believed that the rule of law is a fundamental prerequisite for human dignity, security and freedom. It involves ensuring that all citizens are subject to laws that are transparent, accountable and independently adjudicated. This can be achieved by ensuring adherence to the following principles:
The law is a dynamic concept that continues to grow and evolve as societies progress. It varies from place to place and from time to time as it is influenced by different cultures, values and beliefs. It is also influenced by the context in which it is applied, for example it is not uncommon for a legal term to be translated differently in another language. In addition, the meaning of some terms can change as the law relates to new issues that arise. This is particularly the case with laws related to science, technology and medicine which are rapidly changing. It is not uncommon for these changes to be reflected in the underlying principles and assumptions that are the basis of the law. For example, the laws of physics have changed dramatically as the technology of quantum mechanics has developed over the last century. The same is true of many other areas of the law. It is therefore necessary to be constantly reviewing and updating the law in light of its evolving meaning. This can be done through research and consultation with other professionals in the field.
