Law is the set of rules created and enforceable by social or governmental institutions to control human behavior and maintain order. Its precise definition has been a subject of long-standing debate, with many scholars defining it as “commands, backed by threat of sanction, from a sovereign to whom people have a habit of obedience.” Others have considered the concept more moral, with the philosopher Jeremy Bentham describing law as a set of “impartial commands, rooted in rationality and reason” – a view that is still alive and well today.
A variety of disciplines contribute to the study of law. Philosophy, politics and sociology provide frameworks for understanding how laws are constructed and enacted, while anthropology and history offer insights into the ways in which the development of law has been shaped by culture and society. Other areas of study include the economics of law, with the study of contracts, property and corporate governance all shedding light on how laws are made and enforced.
The term law is widely used in everyday speech. It can refer to a specific legal document, such as a contract or an eviction notice. It can also refer to a general principle of order and stability in society, such as the rule that no one should be able to start a war. Other uses of the word include titles of respect, such as Esquire to indicate a barrister of great distinction, and Doctor of Law to denote a person who has obtained a degree in law.