Law is a system of rules that control behavior and is enforced through penalties. It is often a matter of public policy, and many nations have their own unique legal systems that differ from other countries’. The purpose of law is to serve its citizens by establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights. It is essential for a democratic society. Law also serves a number of other functions, such as keeping the peace, maintaining social stability and economic development, and promoting justice. The law differs from nation to nation, however, in how well it fulfills these goals.

The law has many branches and is interpreted and applied in different ways. For example, contract law covers agreements between people to exchange goods or services, from buying a bus ticket to trading options on the stock market. Property law defines a person’s rights and duties toward their tangible property, such as houses or cars, and intangible property, like bank accounts or shares of stock. Criminal law deals with crimes and their punishments, such as murder or fraud. Civil rights laws protect basic human dignity and freedoms from abuse by government agencies, businesses or individuals. Tort law allows a victim to sue for damages when they have been harmed.

Each nation has its own legal tradition, influenced by a combination of cultural, political and religious factors. A country may have a common law or civil law system, based on its history and connections with other nations. Many Western countries use the common law system, which relies on judicial decisions for its laws. Other countries, such as Japan, use a civil law system that has written codes for judges to follow when making decisions.

While culture and religion can influence the law, it is usually the power of the state that makes and enforces it. For this reason, laws are more likely to be strict or liberal depending on a country’s political system. For example, in most democratic countries, the law is more liberal than in dictatorships or autocracies.

The law is developed by governments, but it can also be created or modified by private individuals and groups. The professionals who study and argue the law are called lawyers or jurists. There are two kinds of attorneys in the United States – transactional lawyers who make contracts, and litigators who represent clients in court. In other nations, these professionals are known as solicitors and barristers. There are also a number of international organizations that set the global legal standard, such as the World Trade Organization and the G20. These organizations are a source of international legal precedent and help to resolve cross-national disputes. In addition, they provide a forum for discussing global issues such as climate change and financial stability. International organizations can also promote and monitor good governance, which involves making the rule of law accessible to all.