Law is a system of rules which a society or government develops in order to deal with crime, business agreements and social relationships.

It is a complex discipline, covering a wide range of subjects. The core areas are criminal law, civil law and transactional law.

Criminal law involves the punishment of people for offences against other people or a community, such as crimes against property, sexual abuse or corruption of public officials. It is enforced by governments and private individuals through legislation, executive decrees or decisions from courts of law.

Civil law covers laws that concern people and things, such as the rights of people to live together and to get compensation for harm done to them or their properties. It is often arranged in codes and aims to promote cooperation, order, predictability, and flexibility.

Business law deals with the laws governing contracts, corporations and other forms of legal entity. It also regulates the conduct of business and the financial sector, such as banking and insurance.

Labour law involves the laws regulating the tripartite relationship between worker, employer and trade union. It includes collective bargaining regulations and the right to strike.

Family law is the area of law concerned with marriage, divorce, child custody and rights to property and money in separations. It also includes the right of a spouse to claim joint debts and other property belonging to the other party.

In general, courts decide cases in a manner that serves the interests of the law as a whole. Decisions are binding, and judges must consider the precedent they make when deciding similar cases in the future.