Law is any body of rules enforceable by a sovereign (government or other authority that imposes its will on the people), whether those rules are created by a group legislature, as in statutes; by a single legislator, as in regulations; or by judges through case law. Legal system design aims to shape these governing institutions in ways that serve the purposes of society and individuals. In a nation, the main functions of law are to keep the peace, preserve the status quo, protect individual rights and freedoms, promote social justice, and allow for orderly social change. Law can serve these goals well or poorly depending on the government’s structure, its capacity to respond to public needs, and its ability to promote democracy.
The precise meaning of law has been subject to ongoing debate throughout Western history. Bentham’s utilitarian definition is that laws are commands backed by the threat of sanctions from a sovereign, to which people develop a habit of obedience. Other philosophers, such as Montesquieu and Rousseau, posited a moral and unchanging set of natural laws that humans are bound to by virtue of their social natures.
Many aspects of life are governed by law, including contracts, property, family, and criminal activities. For example, contract law regulates agreements to exchange goods and services and includes everything from buying a bus ticket to trading options on a derivatives market. Property law defines people’s rights and duties toward tangible property, like cars and houses, as well as intangible property such as bank accounts and shares of stock. Criminal law entails actions against the community at large, such as murder and terrorism, while civil laws cover disputes between individuals, such as torts, defamation, or automobile accidents.
Studying and practicing law involves absorbing and applying a great deal of information in a very short period of time. For this reason, students must be able to quickly and accurately assess and organize information and develop the skills required to apply it in different situations.
Law also requires the ability to communicate effectively and work as a member of a team to reach mutually beneficial results. Students must be able to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. In addition, they must be able to listen carefully and evaluate the arguments of others. This can be challenging, particularly in the high-pressure environment of a law school class. Students should plan on dedicating some of their free time to studying, and should take advantage of tools such as law school podcasts and online lecture materials. If possible, students should also schedule regular studying time around their personal and professional obligations. This will help them stay on track with their studies and maximize the effectiveness of their learning. They should also seek out opportunities to practice their communication skills with friends and peers. This can be done by participating in law school activities, arranging a study date with classmates, or simply asking a colleague for feedback on an assignment.
