Whether you’re an attorney or a layperson, law shapes your life. It is a set of rules that are enforced by social institutions and governmental institutions. Law is often described as the art of justice.
Law also reflects the political, economic, social, and historical background of a community. Laws are created and amended by governmental institutions and constitutions. Laws may be created by a single legislative body or by a group of legislators.
Legal issues can arise when a person is accused of a crime, or when a sudden event occurs. Laws are also created to solve problems in the workplace or in family life. Laws also regulate industries such as energy and telecomms. Laws are often created to protect citizens from crimes and environmental hazards. Laws also shape the political structure of the country.
Legal systems are divided into common law, civil law, and international law. Legal systems are characterized by their similarities and differences. Common law legal systems explicitly acknowledge the judicial decisions as “law.” In civil law legal systems, judicial decisions are less detailed.
International law is a broad category of law that includes public international law, private international law, and international law of supranational organizations. The International Law Commission is an organization of lawyers representing the principal legal systems in the world. They consult with UN specialized agencies, and prepare drafts on aspects of international law.
The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is the United Nations’ primary dispute settlement body. It has issued over 170 judgments and advisory opinions. It has also handled six cases that have been referred to special chambers.