Law is a set of rules created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Its precise definition is a matter of longstanding debate, and it has been described as both a science and an art of justice.
A legal system can serve a variety of functions, including keeping the peace, maintaining the status quo, preserving individual rights, preventing oppression by majorities, promoting social justice, and facilitating orderly change. Different legal systems fulfill these functions to varying degrees; for example, an authoritarian regime might keep the peace but oppress minorities and stifle dissent. By contrast, a democratic regime is likely to promote the rule of law and preserve individual rights, but it may not be as effective at fostering peaceful social change or addressing the needs of minorities.
The study of Law encompasses a wide variety of subjects, with the three core fields being Labour Law, Property Law and Criminal Law. Labor Law concerns the tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade union and includes issues like collective bargaining and the right to strike. Property Law is the study of individuals’ rights to tangible assets such as their home or car and intangible assets such as bank accounts and shares of stock. Criminal Law covers offenses against the state, ranging from traffic violations to homicide.
A career in the law involves an often challenging, exciting and rewarding work environment. The work that lawyers do is vital to society and they are rewarded for their efforts with prestige, financial compensation and benefits that are not always available in other professions (e.g. offices, expense accounts).