Introduction to Law: Systems, Sources and Types

• A system of rules and guidelines usually enforces law through a set of institutions.
• It shapes politics, economics, and society in numerous ways
• Law serves as a primary social mediator of relations between people.
• Law provides a framework for the creation of laws, the protection of rights, and the resolution of disputes.
• Different legal systems exist around the world, including civil law, common law, and religious law.

Sources of Law

• Constitutions are Foundational documents that establish the framework for government and define the rights of citizens.
• Statutes are laws enacted by legislative bodies.
• Regulations are rules and procedures created by government agencies to implement statutes.
• Case Law is law established by judicial decisions, also known as common law.
• Treaties are agreements between countries that become part of a nation's law.

Types of Law

• Criminal Law deals with offenses against society, such as theft, assault, or murder, prosecuted by the government.
• Civil Law concerns disputes between individuals or organizations, seeking compensation or other remedies.
• Constitutional Law focuses on the interpretation and application of the Constitution.
• Administrative Law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government.
• International Law regulates relations between countries.

Legal Systems

• Common Law relies on judicial precedents set by courts, with statutes complementing case law.
• Civil Law is based on codified statutes and legal codes, with less emphasis on judicial precedent.
• Religious Law is derived from religious doctrines and principles.

Legal Concepts

• Jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
• Precedent is a principle or rule established in a prior court case that is persuasive or binding for a court when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts.
• Due Process is a legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person.
• Standing is the ability of a party to demonstrate to the court sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action challenged to support that party's participation in the case.
• Negligence is a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.
• Contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties.
• Tort is a civil wrong that causes someone else to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the tortious act and is also known as delict.

Legal Professions

• Lawyers are licensed professionals who advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and draft legal documents.
• Judges are officials who preside over court proceedings, interpret the law, and make rulings.
• Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and providing support services.

Legal Process

• Litigation is the process of resolving disputes in court.
• Negotiation includes discussions between parties to reach a settlement.
• Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps parties reach a voluntary settlement.
• Arbitration is a process in which a neutral third party makes a binding decision resolving the dispute.

Key Principles

• Rule of Law states that all people are subject to and accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.
• Separation of Powers sees government divided into branches with distinct responsibilities (legislative, executive, judicial).
• Checks and Balances are a system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.
• Human Rights are basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.

Impact of Law

• Law affects business by regulating contracts, protecting intellectual property, and governing corporate behavior.
• It impacts individuals by determining rights, responsibilities, and providing dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Law influences government by defining powers, setting limits, and ensuring accountability.

Explore the basics of law: its role in society, sources like constitutions and statutes, and different types including criminal and civil law. Understand how legal systems shape our world and govern interactions.