Law is a body of rules that governs human activities and relationships. It includes the laws of nature, statutes, and customary practice. It is a universal concept that is expressed in scientific, judicial and customary forms, but it can be interpreted differently by different people across social systems.

Biblical law refers to the commands and regulations given by God in the Mosaic covenant. It is primarily concerned with what God wants his people to do, but the word often also means other things that are commanded in the Bible.

In the modern legal system, law is defined by the principles of fundamental fairness and equality before the law. These principles are the cornerstones of the rule of law, which is a set of laws that guarantee equal rights and protection of individuals in both public and private sectors.

Common law and civil law are the two main types of legal systems in use around the world. In both systems, decisions made by courts are formally recognized as “law” and are based on court-established legal precedents.

Civil law is a more comprehensive system, consisting of a codified set of rules and principles that are generally accessible to both citizens and lawyers. It is characterized by a well-organized system, favoring cooperation, order, and predictability; it is adaptable to change and avoids excessive detail.

Criminal law deals with crime and the punishment of crimes, including murder and theft. It is regulated by the government and is sometimes called the penal code. It includes such things as prison terms, fines, and jail sentences.

The legal system of a nation serves many purposes, such as keeping the peace, maintaining the status quo, protecting individual rights, preserving minorities against majorities, promoting social justice and providing for orderly social change. Some nations are more effective at fulfilling these goals than others.

International law is an important area of law that involves international relations and the interaction between governments. It addresses issues like human rights, trade, and immigration. It can involve treaties and other agreements between nations, as well as legislation involving global environmental and energy matters.

Competition law regulates the relationship between companies and consumers, and includes laws preventing price fixing, monopolies, and discriminatory practices in business transactions. This is particularly important in the United States, where antitrust law has a strong influence over market prices and consumer welfare.

Employment law protects workers from discrimination by their employers based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. It prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, leave, and other work-related decisions.

In the American system of government, equality before the law is a key principle of governance and is largely enforced by the courts. In this country, a person’s right to be free from discrimination is a constitutionally protected right. This is why some Americans feel that the Supreme Court is a more powerful force than the legislature, as it can hear grievances from minority groups and hold a majority to account.