Law is a set of rules and processes created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. Governments may enforce laws through their legislature resulting in statutes, executive decrees and regulations, or through the courts based on precedent (a legal case that has similar facts to a current dispute). Private individuals can also create legally binding contracts enforceable by the courts. A country’s constitution and the human, property, and procedural rights enshrined in it often guide the formation of law.
In a democracy, laws are made by the people. However, even a democracy can fall prey to the problem of a person or group gaining too much power over others. The framers of the United States constitution solved this problem by separating powers into legislative, executive and judicial branches of government to ensure that no one person can gain too much power over other citizens.
The legal system in each country is different, but most have common features. Laws are interpreted and developed through the judicial branch, which allows judges to adjust existing laws to new social needs through creative jurisprudence. Courts may also clarify rights and duties, and provide remedies for violations of law.
A judge presides over the trial of a civil or criminal case, while other lawyers representing the plaintiff and defendant conduct research on the case, interview witnesses, gather evidence and write the legal argument to be presented to the court. The trial process involves cross-examining the witness and presenting arguments in favor of the client’s position, or in opposition to the opposing party’s argument. Jury members are selected from a pool of potential jury members, usually from voter registration lists or other sources. The actual jury is chosen from the panel through a process called voir dire.
Lawyers can be employed by a firm, a corporation or the government to serve as advisers and represent clients in lawsuits. Some lawyers are specialized in particular areas of law, such as employment, civil rights, family, or criminal law. Others serve as staff attorneys or law clerks for the judge in charge of a case. The judicial system also has librarians who assist judges and lawyers with research.
In addition to providing services to their clients, lawyers are responsible for educating the public about the law and its impact on society. They are often the most knowledgeable source of information about legal issues, so they can serve as valuable resources to the general public. They should avoid using big legal jargons unless they are absolutely necessary, and be sure to explain those terms to readers who come from non-legal backgrounds. They should also be able to answer frequently asked questions on the topic. This will make the article more useful to the public. Also, they should be willing to defend their opinions and explain why they are right. This makes for a better article because it gives the reader confidence in the writer’s knowledge of the law and its implications.
