Law is the set of rules and regulations made by a government, which must be followed by everyone. The laws are enforced by mechanisms created by the government and if they are broken then sanctions can be imposed. The laws are often based on moral and ethical values, but they can also be influenced by economic interests and social wants.

It is not easy to give a precise definition of law, as legal systems differ and individuals have different ideas about what the laws should be. However, most people agree that the law is a system of rules which are created and enforced by a state. The purpose of the law is to control society and prevent unrest. It is commonly used to regulate economic activity and maintain order, but it can also be used to protect liberties and rights.

Many different types of law exist, such as contract law which regulates business and money, property law which deals with ownership and inheritance and criminal law which sets out the penalties for various crimes. There are also laws regulating international relations and dealing with issues such as immigration and asylum. The practice of law is a highly specialised area, and many people have a specific interest in particular aspects of the law.

Law is an important part of a modern society and it is common for people to have jobs that involve interpreting and applying the law. Lawyers and judges are examples of professionals who work in this field. There is also a growing trend for young people to study law at university.

The idea of the rule of law has been an important ideal in political thought for millennia. It was first formulated in ancient Greece by Plato and Aristotle, in medieval England by writers such as John Fortescue and Sir Thomas More, in the European Enlightenment by writers such as Montesquieu and James Harrington, in American constitutionalism by the authors of the Federalist Papers and by A. V. Dicey, and in more recent times by writers such as Roscoe Pound.

The concept of the rule of law requires a constitutionally established supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, participation in legal decision-making, and avoidance of arbitrariness. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the law is transparent and accessible. This has been a challenge for countries with diverse political systems.