Law is the set of rules that governs a society, enforceable by a governing authority with penalties in place for people who break the laws. Laws can be created by legislatures or through judicial decisions.
Among the important functions of the law are establishing standards, maintaining order, and resolving disputes and protecting liberties and rights. Some legal systems are more effective than others at serving these purposes, though. For example, a dictatorship that keeps the peace and maintains the status quo may also oppress minorities or suppress social change.
The concept of law has many different definitions, which are influenced by philosophy and ethics. For example, utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham defined law as “commands, backed by the threat of sanctions from a sovereign to whom people have a habit of obedience.” Natural lawyers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, believed that the laws of nature, which are universally valid in all conditions, reflect innate morality and therefore are part of the foundation of a just society.
Those who are interested in learning more about the law can pursue careers as attorneys, legislators, or judges. The practice of law includes research, discussion, and the creation of legislation and policies. In bicameral legislatures (legislatures divided into two bodies, like the United States House of Representatives and Senate), bills must be passed in identical form by both houses and signed by the president to become a law. If a bill is rejected by the executive branch, Congress can pass a new version of the bill over the veto.