Law is a set of rules created by society which govern the behaviour and rights of its citizens. The laws are enforceable by a governing authority and punishments are imposed if the rules are broken.
Laws govern our everyday activities, from driving safely to paying taxes and from ensuring fair trials to upholding freedom of speech. They are a means of maintaining peace and order in our communities and providing protection from those who would harm us.
For most people, the laws they live by are a combination of customs and practices, written and unwritten, passed down by generations or enacted from time to time by governing bodies or individuals. Whether this is the case or not, laws are inherently coercive and are used to control behaviour and enforce rights.
The primary function of law is to satisfy social wants and desires. These are different for each country as they vary based on the political landscape, but include such things as economic interests and ethical values. Law is therefore fundamentally a tool of social engineering, with many different competing pulls.
While it is the duty of all governments to protect their citizens, they are not required to do so equally and this is where the conflicting aspects of law come into play. The law must balance the needs of different groups of people within society, which is why it is often described as a ‘fiduciary public service’.
One of the biggest problems with the law is that it tends to be rigid and can’t keep up with the pace of our changing societies. This is why it is so important that we have law schools and training to ensure that the next generation of lawyers are prepared to deal with the complex and diverse issues which confront our society.
A good lawyer can turn an idea into a practical solution and will be able to provide their clients with advice that is more likely to result in the desired outcome. Lawyers can be found across a range of industries and sectors from insurance companies to banks, charities and even private individuals who are seeking the services of an advocate or solicitor.
The legal profession is very competitive and the ability to solve problems quickly and think critically is a crucial skill for lawyers. Those who excel in this area will find that the rewards can be extremely satisfying. For example, if someone gets into an accident with their car or they are defamed by another individual then they may seek compensation from the person who committed the crime in the form of a civil lawsuit. If they win the case the person will pay the compensation to the victim. This is a perfect example of the type of problem that can be solved by a lawyer. The process of how a law is made starts with a Representative sponsoring a bill, which is then assigned to a committee and if released can be debated and voted on. A simple majority of the House of Representatives will then approve it.