Law is a set of rules that governs the actions of individuals, businesses, and organizations. It is the basis of social institutions such as law enforcement and political systems. Legal issues may arise from unexpected events, such as a crime or a family dispute. They can also result from planned events.
Common legal issues are immigration, consumer rights, and housing. While they may seem mundane, they can be complex and challenging. For example, they can involve questions of nationality, rights to social security, and healthcare.
Law is divided into three broad categories: federal, state, and civil law. Federal law is made up of the acts and regulations of Congress and the executive branch. State law is made up of statutes enacted by states. Civil law is a less detailed system of law that includes judicial decisions.
The United States Constitution defines the boundaries of federal law. In addition, the Congress has the power to amend the Constitution.
Federal law typically focuses on issues of money, intellectual property, and foreign relations. The United States Code is the official compilation of general and permanent federal statutes. It is published every six years by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives.
Common law legal systems are those that explicitly acknowledge decisions made by courts as “law”. This includes the doctrine of precedent, which means that a court’s decision is binding on future courts.
Commercial law covers a wide range of topics, from contract law to real estate and personal property. These areas are governed by laws like the Uniform Commercial Code and the Joint Stock Companies Act.
