Law is the body of rules that govern people’s behavior. These rules are created by controlling authorities and recognized by others. When violated, they can result in criminal and civil penalties. In the United States, laws are created by state legislatures, federal and local courts, and administrative agencies. To find out more about law, read on. You can also find examples of laws in books and dictionaries. However, laws are a complicated topic that often requires expert advice.
Rule of law
The Rule of Law refers to the authority of law in society and its influence on individual and institutional behavior. It is a principle that says every member of society is subject to a publicly disclosed legal code and process. This principle is opposite to the idea that rulers are above the law and are exempt from it.
Legal process
Legal process is a school of thought that advocates using legal reasoning to resolve disputes. The legal process school has a number of basic tenets, such as neutral principles for judicial decisionmaking, reasoned elaboration as a method of adjudication, and restrained innovation in the application of law.
Legal institutions
Political influence on legal institutions can vary significantly. In centralized political systems, the supreme court is appointed through an executive-dominated process, while decentralized political systems develop pluralistic appointment processes. In a decentralized system, supreme court justices receive symbolic status that transcends their status as mere legal bureaucrats.
Courts
Courts of law are the adjudicating authorities that carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. They are the central mechanism in most legal systems for dispute resolution. Anyone can bring a legal claim before a court. Those accused of a crime also have the right to present a defense.
Civil society
Civil society is the legal entity that balances the power of the state. In a modern capitalist state, this is often equated with the market. As such, it protects the rights of individuals and protects their interests from being monopolized by the state. The issue at stake is how to coexist peacefully between the state and civil society.
Customs
Customs law deals with rules and regulations governing the import and export of goods and services. This field of law is very complex and is governed by a number of statutes and regulations. Violations of these laws can result in detained shipments, seized goods, and harsh civil and criminal penalties. In the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is responsible for the collection of import duties and fees. Customs law is centered around the tariff classification of merchandise under the Harmonized System, valuation of goods under the GATT Valuation Agreement, and the rules for determining country of origin.
Rules of conduct
The ABA’s Rules of Professional Conduct are a guide to ethical conduct for lawyers. They are intended to guide the practice of law and provide a structure for regulating lawyer conduct through disciplinary agencies. However, these rules are not intended to create a cause of action against lawyers and should not be construed as a basis for civil liability. They raise difficult issues of professional discretion and must be applied with sensitivity.