Law is a system of rules that a society or government has developed in order to deal with crime, business agreements and social relationships. It is also a term used to refer to the people who work in this system.

The law shapes politics, economics and history in various ways and serves as a mediator of relations between people. Legal systems are divided into civil law jurisdictions, in which a legislature or central body codifies and consolidates its laws; and common law systems, in which judges establish their own precedents.

There are four universal principles that constitute the rule of law. These are uniformity, publicity, stability and equality of application.

Uniformity and certainty are important because if the administration of justice is left to the discretion of individual judges, improper motives and dishonest opinions can lead to biased decisions that are unjust and unfair. In addition, a well-functioning legal system provides uniformity and consistency in the distribution of resources, as well as protection for individuals and the community at large.

Political context

Every nation-state has different political and legal structures, and a lack of the rule of law can occur in either an authoritarian or democratic country. In a democracy, the law is usually made by a bicameral legislature; in an authoritarian government, laws are often derived from a constitution or other source of authority.

Studying law is a challenging career path, but it can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career in the field. You will be rewarded with respect and appreciation from the community you belong to, and there is no shortage of opportunities for advancement.