Law is an established set of rules that govern behavior and are enforced by governmental and social institutions. Although its exact definition is controversial, many have called it a science of justice or an art form. Here are a few of the key points about the law:
Legal systems around the world
There are two main types of legal systems: civil law and common law. Civil law countries are based on a detailed set of laws and regulations codified into laws. Unlike common law systems, which have a more flexible approach to interpreting laws, courts under a civil law system rely on written legal codes, tradition, precedent, and the opinions of judges. As a result, these legal systems can be rigid and impoverished, especially in countries where people are accustomed to a certain way of life.
Sources of law
Law comes from a variety of sources, including the constitution, statutes, and customs. Custom-based sources, for example, are derived from the behavior of the population and are enacted by city councils. These sources date back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where local laws codified rights based on custom. Likewise, statutes and ordinances can be secondary sources. For example, a statute can enact a custom that has been in place for generations, but it may be outdated and no longer apply.
Career options
In today’s world, a good legal career means earning handsome salary. There are several options for you to pursue in law: judicial services, private practice, and corporate services. The latter is considered the most prestigious profession. Unlike other law fields, the work of a corporate lawyer involves dealing with transactions amongst peers. No wronged parties, no underdogs, and no inequity in financial means.
Outlines
Outlines of law begin with the law as enunciated by a case, and you should only list the case’s name if it is a familiar one. In other words, if you study Brown v. Board of Education, you should state the name, year, facts, and the law in your outline. Start with the actual rule or statement of law as articulated in the case, then use an outline to illustrate how the rule is different in other jurisdictions.
Case law
Common and case law are terms that are often used interchangeably, and are both based on judicial decisions made in previous cases. Common law is a set of statutes and constitutions, but case law relies on detailed facts and court resolutions. Generally, case law is considered to be more authoritative than common law. The following are some of the most common definitions of both terms. Let’s explore each one further. What is Case Law?