The law frames a nation’s politics, economics and history in various ways. It also acts as a mediator of relations between people. A general distinction can be made between civil law systems, in which government statutes and codes are the recognised sources of law, and common law jurisdictions where judge-made precedent is accepted as binding law.
A wide range of subjects are covered by law, from regulating contracts to criminal justice. Three main areas are presented below, though the subjects intertwine and overlap:
Contract law involves all agreements to exchange goods or services for money, and it covers everything from purchasing a bus ticket to trading options on a stock market. Property law defines a person’s rights and duties towards tangible property, including real estate such as land and buildings, and personal possessions (such as computers, cars and jewellery). The right in rem relates to ownership of a particular item of real property, whereas the right in personam enables compensation for a loss or injury without necessarily getting back a particular thing.
Criminal law concerns the punishment of crimes, from traffic offences to murder and terrorism. It is the basis for the state’s coercive power, and it is reshaped by debates such as those of Max Weber on the limits of this kind of authority.
Civil law involves disputes between individuals, such as disputes over contracts or injuries caused by negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Case law refers to the use of previous court decisions in deciding how other law should be applied in a particular situation; judges often give detailed instructions to their juries on how to apply legal principles in a given trial.
Labour law concerns a tripartite industrial relationship between worker, employer and trade union. It involves collective bargaining, as well as individual employment rights such as job security and the right to strike. Family law deals with divorce and separation, as well as child custody and maintenance.
Business and commercial law concerns the laws governing business, such as contracts, taxes and intellectual property. The impact of international trade on business is a key concern in this area.
When choosing a research topic for law essays, seek maximum specificity to ensure that your paper addresses a manageable scope within the field. A broad and vague subject, such as digital law, will be difficult to investigate in depth. A more specific theme such as the legal aspects of paedophilia on the internet can be researched more thoroughly, and will make your essay stand out from the crowd. Choose a topic that is relevant to current events, policies and practices. This will ensure that your research has relevance and value in the modern world. It will also be easier to access resources on the topic. This will help you to write a high quality essay on your chosen subject. For a law essay to be successful, it needs to be both informative and engaging. You can achieve this by choosing a subject that is unique and interesting, whilst also providing practical insights into the way that laws are used in a real-world context.