Law is a system of rules that is enforceable through social institutions such as courts and governments. It shapes society and history. There are three main categories of laws.

These are: legislation, regulations and agreements. Each of these has its own set of purposes. For example, the purpose of a law may be to maintain the status quo, to protect human rights, to protect the environment or to preserve property rights. Some legal systems do these tasks better than others.

Legislation is a political process by which politicians and powerful officials establish a body of rules enforceable by governmental institutions. These rules can be enforced by the government or by private actors.

Regulation deals with the provision of public services such as water and gas. It sets standards for investment and taxes. In some countries, regulation is done by the government or by the executive, while in others it is the responsibility of the private sector.

Agreements, on the other hand, are social rules governed by a controlling authority or group of actors. Legal issues can be arising from problems at work, planned events, or unexpected events. The outcome of a legal issue depends on how a court interprets the law.

Rule of Law is a set of principles aimed at protecting ordinary citizens. According to this definition, the laws are enforceable, transparent, fair, and accessible to all.

This concept originated in ancient Greece and has been re-established through the works of Thomas Aquinas. It is a political idea that has persisted in the political tradition for millennia.