Law is the indisputable fact of the world, and it can be used to describe any career in the legal field. Yet, while there is an indisputable element of law to the universe, the actual reasons for things happening are not fully explained by it. For that reason, it is important to understand how law functions.

Legal institutions

Legal institutions are organizations that carry out legal functions. These organizations can be public or private and may also be nonprofit. These institutions are fundamental to a society. They protect the freedom of individuals. In the United States, these institutions guarantee the rights, privileges, and immunities essential to that freedom. They also act as the foundation for society.

In many countries, the legal institutions are established through the constitution. These documents establish basic rights and obligations and also establish legislative, executive, and judicial institutions. This division of legal functions among these institutions is known as separation of powers. This division of powers helps to avoid the accumulation of all legal authority in one institution. The names of these institutions vary from country to country, but they are commonly referred to as branches of government.

Rule of law

Rule of law is a legal system that ensures equality and justice for all. Its essential features include an independent judiciary, presumption of innocence, and a rational and proportionate approach to punishment. These principles require adherence to fair and consistent standards of behavior and a robust legal profession. The IBA strongly urges all nations to maintain a strong rule of law system to ensure that citizens have the same protections and opportunities under the law.

While the Rule of Law is a fundamental concept of democratic politics, it is crucial to remember that it is not the only aspect of democracy that we need to be concerned with. There are many forms of democracy and several theories of how they should be practiced. In the medieval period, for example, the philosophers Aristotle and Niccolo Machiavelli sought to differentiate between lawful and despotic forms of kingship. Their arguments continued through the early modern period, the European Enlightenment, and into the modern era.

Formal requirements

In law, the formal requirements for a particular act or event must be specified. These requirements are outlined in statutes and other legal documents. They include federal, state, and municipal laws, international agreements, and judicial orders. Governmental requirements can also be derived from principles of common law. Some examples of formal requirements in law include franchises, certificates, and licenses.

For example, environmental and health requirements in law can include regulations and policies issued by state and federal agencies. Environmental laws, in particular, cover pollution, worker health, and safety.

Substantive ideals

Substantive ideals in law are principles that govern the conduct of legal institutions. Such ideals are necessary for the rule of law and protect the rights of all individuals in a society. They promote equality of treatment among participants in legal proceedings, ensure that justice is done and no one is harmed by the law, and provide a framework to resolve disputes.

The challenge for incorporating substantive ideals into law is to find laws that are universally acceptable. There are many laws that are morally repugnant in some societies, but are perfectly acceptable in other societies. While there is a great deal of disagreement about the outer boundaries of substantive justice, the core principles are generally recognized.

Access to justice

Access to justice in law is a critical component of a strong legal system. As a result of low access to legal services, many people in low-income communities face higher costs and poorer quality of defense. The access to justice movement is comprised of a number of different groups, including the legal community, private sector, medical and social work communities, and abolitionists. In addition, the United Nations and other leading international organizations are also involved. Finally, community based activists are also engaged in the cause.

The cost of legal representation and advice is a major barrier to accessing the justice system. Consequently, legal aid programmes are essential to enhancing access to justice. The Declaration on the Rule of Law, adopted by the General Assembly, commits Member States to provide accessible legal services and to ensure access to justice for all.