A Basic Introduction to Law
Written by Mila Long
How does one define law? There are scientific laws which are those we know to be true facts about the functioning of the universe. There are ethical laws in the concept of morality and right and wrong. Then there is the legal system, the method in which humans impose rules and regulations to outline life. Law is inherently human, relying upon human persuasion and human influence. The legal system is composed of lawyers and judges, determining the validity and approach of laws. These complex rules control the activities and lives of the citizens in society. The courts, composed of judges, enforce these regulations. The lawyers present a case to judges who must find a rule to suit the case and not change the case to fit or find a rule. These cases can be split into various different subsections of the law.
Legal proceedings can most often be split into criminal and civil law. Each has many subdivisions and types of law that fall underneath it. Criminal law deals with the effects of wrongful actions, most often between two individuals. These actions pose a serious threat to order in society and human lives. The allegations that are presented in a criminal court must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Some examples of criminal law are murder, injury, robbery, theft, and many more. Being found guilty in criminal law often leads to jail time. Civil law focuses on private rights and obligations between individuals and corporations. Most often in civil cases there has been a wrong committed and a claimant is suing to receive a remedy to what has been suffered. Many different cases fall under the umbrella of civil law such as property, tort, and contract. Often, rather than jail time, judges will award financial compensation or an order to change an action.
Many different paths can be taken to become a lawyer, but there are important steps to follow. The most common majors people take with the plans of becoming a lawyer are political science, criminology, criminal justice, english, history, or international relations. Then, it’s important to take the LSAT. The LSAT is an important test to help people get into law school. It’s also important to get experience during time in college which will help people stand out to the schools. Once law school is nearing an end, it is important to take the BAR which proves the competency of lawyers to practice within that state. Then, the legal career begins.
The legal system is extremely important. It keeps society in order and allows for laws written a long time ago to change and adapt to fit the present day. When a case, especially a big case, is finished it sets a precedent. This allows for the case to be used in future decisions within the legal system. Precedents allow for rules to be set about uncertain ways to interpret an old law. These can be light posts, lighting the pathways for the future of the legal system. Precedents can broaden rights, such as with the decision Roe v. Wade, or define and clarify laws, like Texas v. Johnson about symbolic speech in the USA’s first amendment. To use a precedent within a case means the case in question must be of a similar nature.
The field of law is very broad, and allows for many different career paths to branch out from it. Lawyers are needed to defend many people and seek answers and consequences because actions are often left in gray areas where determining right and wrong is unattainable. Law helps protect the individuals in the world and is left almost entirely to human decision. This is why it’s imperative that the legal system is an adapting occupation which focuses on the ingenuity, intelligence, and focus of its lawyers to continue interpreting and adapting the systems that have been set before them. Law is an extremely important field that defines many things from the future of one to the future of all.
