Law is a set of rules that are made and enforced by social or governmental institutions. They can be created and changed by government (either through legislation, decrees, or regulations), or by courts that establish laws based on precedent.
In a nation, the law can serve to keep the peace, maintain the status quo, preserve individual rights, protect minorities against majorities, promote social justice, and provide for orderly social change. Some legal systems do these better than others.
The term law is also used to refer to the study of laws and their creation. The field of law is often divided into public and private law.
Public law is what makes up the rules in a country and is usually created by governments. It includes regulations, statutes, and contracts.
Private law is what sets the rules in a private or domestic relationship, such as when you buy something and pay for it. It also settles disputes between people and compensates victims, for example if you back up your car into someone’s fence and it damages their property.
Law is created and enforced by state legislatures, which can make laws and pass them into law by passing an Act of Parliament or passing a statute. These Acts can be passed quickly or in stages, and they can come into force immediately or on a future date.
There are many types of laws, including civil and criminal laws. Some laws are based on morality, while others are based on science or logic.