Law is the system of rules regulating the conduct of a community that are enforced by a controlling authority. It is a complex field, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and professions. The study of law encompasses a wide variety of topics, including legal education; the legal profession; ethics; and the philosophy of law. Law is often viewed as a social science, and it influences politics; economics; history and society in many ways.
Some countries, such as the United States, use a common law system that relies on case laws and judges’ decisions to interpret and apply the laws. Other nations, such as Japan, have a civil law system that is based on codes.
The various branches of law include constitutional law; criminal law; property law; tort law; and family law. Constitutional law focuses on the structure and functions of the government, while criminal law entails the penalties that can be imposed for offences against the state. Tort law involves compensation when someone or something is injured by another person’s conduct, such as in automobile accidents or defamation of character. Family law includes marriage, divorce and custody proceedings. Property law outlines how to own, sell and transfer real estate or personal assets and includes a wide range of rights associated with them.
Other branches of law include aviation; bankruptcy; carriage of goods; contract; and commercial transaction. International law outlines the relations between nations and the responsibilities of states to one another and also addresses issues such as human rights, environmental protection and international wars.