Law is a set of rules that govern human behavior and is enforced by social and governmental institutions. The precise definition of law is debated, but the term has been described as “the science of justice and the art of right and wrong”. However, there are some basic principles that define the field of law. These principles include:
Articles that discuss the Rule of Law
The Rule of Law is a set of principles that govern the conduct of governments. These principles include an independent judiciary, presumption of innocence, and rational, proportionate punishment. These principles should be adhered to in all societies. They also require that the rule of law be applied in a fair and impartial manner, and that its application reflect the character of the communities it serves.
Legislation
Law is the set of rules that govern behavior and are enforced by governmental or social institutions. The precise definition of law is a matter of debate. It has been characterized as a science and an art.
Courts
A court has the power to decide on various types of cases. Generally, a court’s jurisdiction consists of three basic components: personal jurisdiction over an individual, subject-matter jurisdiction, and territorial jurisdiction. This latter component refers to the court’s authority to decide certain kinds of questions.
Custom
In a society where rules and regulations are hard to establish, customs are often the only source of law. Customs are nonwritten rules of behavior that have developed over the course of many years. They are an integral part of a society’s social and economic thinking. Customs are also important sources of law, such as those that prevent illegal movement of people and goods. These laws are often used to investigate such matters as human trafficking, intellectual property theft, financial crimes, and identity fraud.
Environmental law
Environmental law focuses on the protection of the environment. It is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and complies with directives set by Congress. These directives include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and Endangered Species Act. Each directive deals with a particular type of contaminant or substance, and the EPA uses specific standards to protect our environment. For example, the Clean Air Act addresses toxins in the air, while the Clean Water Act regulates pollution in water and soil. The Toxic Substances Control Act deals with all other toxins and chemicals.
Space law
The Space Law, Data and Policy Program at the University of Washington School of Law is the world’s first interdisciplinary law program devoted to outer space. The program’s focus is on law, data and policy regarding commercial human spaceflight. Professor Saadia M. Pekkanen, Adjunct Professor at the UW School of Law, focuses on commercial legal policies for space.