Law

Law refers to a system of rules and guidelines, typically enforced through social or governmental institutions, that regulate behavior within a society. It is designed to maintain order, ensure justice, and protect individual rights and freedoms. Laws can be created by legislatures (statutory law), interpreted and enforced by the judiciary (case law), or established by their adoption without formal legislation (common law).

Law encompasses a broad range of topics, including criminal law, civil law, constitutional law, administrative law, and international law, among others. It serves to resolve disputes, deter wrongful conduct, and establish standards for acceptable behavior. Legal systems vary between jurisdictions, affecting how laws are applied and interpreted. The rule of law is a fundamental principle, emphasizing that law applies equally to everyone, maintaining that no one is above the law.