Law is a set of rules that governs human activity. Its rules are enforced by government and judicial institutions. Among its many duties are dealing with crime, contracts, relationships, and social relationships.
It also shapes the history and politics of a society. Legal issues may arise when people are accused of a crime or have problems at work. The outcome of a legal issue depends on how the court interprets the law.
Modern legal systems can be divided into common law and civil law. Common law systems are based on a system of statutes and judicial decisions. Civil law systems are less complex. They use a more flexible approach to determining the law, requiring less detailed judicial decisions.
A lawyer is an expert who has the special qualification required to practice law. Typically, the person who practices law must have a Juris Doctor degree. Other higher academic degrees include a Master of Legal Studies, a Bar Professional Training Course, or a doctorate in law.
In the United States, law is the body of written rules that apply to all citizens. This body of rules includes laws about taxes, insurance, and banking. Consumer law is a specific area of law regulating business practices. Generally, a consumer has the right to dispute a contract or to sue for breach of contract.
Laws are governed by two types of courts: the criminal and civil courts. The former deals with a variety of different crimes, while the latter deals with less serious issues.