Law 2
Law 2
Law 2
Law—perhaps one of the most used terms—is more than rules and regulations combined. It
may be termed as one such foundational principle on which our societies stand today. It dictates
the way of interaction and doing business; it probably even outlines definitions for our rights and
responsibilities. This blog explores the multifaceted nature of law, its origin, and different
systems, and the impact on our lives.
Complexly Dynamic Definition of Law.
The definition of "law" is arguably quite ambiguous. It, on occasions, has been described as a
science, system of rules, art of justice, or even system of rules. Essentially, it is a set of rules
whose enforcement is backed by social or government institutions in the regulation of conduct.
Even more specifically, rules may be enacted into statutes, generated through judicial decision,
and even settled upon in private contract.
The History of Law: A Riveting Journey of the Evolving Values and Needs of Societies
History projects the evident fact that the history of law is intriguing, marking the change in
values and needs in societies. Conventionally, many legal systems found their base in
customary law systems, which were traditionally decided and harnessed through practiced
behaviors. While there is no denying the fact that the religious law with religious texts and their
interpretations brought religious law as a source of legal authority making its presentation in
societies that were becoming increasingly complex .
Presently, the legal systems of the world broadly fall under the following two major categories:
Civil Law: The system of the civil law codifies and consolidates the law into a central body,
usually a legislature [1]. All it does is emphasize written law; this works fine for countries like
France, Germany, and Japan.
Common Law: Common law systems, as operated in the UK and the USA, are heavily reliant on
judicial precedent. The rulings of a judge create binding case law, which higher courts or
legislatures can only veto [1].
The law establishes the first regard as powers and limitations of governments, democratic
processes, and political activity in defining the very roles of the law.
Economic: Business transactions, investment, and economic growth are all founded by legal
underpinnings, such as contract law, property law, and intellectual property.
History: The development of the legal system is so entwined with the development of society
itself from the formation of empires to individual human rights.
An eternity of argument: Law and Morality
The relationship between law and morality has always been very complex, contestable
throughout history. Some will argue the law must be based on moral values; others say it should
be subjective and objective, leaving morals to the individual.
Natural Law: This school represents an argument that there are inherent moral precepts that
ought to guide law, regardless of societal norms.
Legal Positivism: Much stress is laid on the codified law, command of the state, and kept
separate from morality.
Law—perhaps one of the most used terms—is more than rules and regulations combined. It
may be termed as one such foundational principle on which our societies stand today. It dictates
the way of interaction and doing business; it probably even outlines definitions for our rights and
responsibilities. This blog explores the multifaceted nature of law, its origin, and different
systems, and the impact on our lives.
Complexly Dynamic Definition of Law.
The definition of "law" is arguably quite ambiguous. It, on occasions, has been described as a
science, system of rules, art of justice, or even system of rules. Essentially, it is a set of rules
whose enforcement is backed by social or government institutions in the regulation of conduct.
Even more specifically, rules may be enacted into statutes, generated through judicial decision,
and even settled upon in private contract.
The History of Law: A Riveting Journey of the Evolving Values and Needs of Societies
History projects the evident fact that the history of law is intriguing, marking the change in
values and needs in societies. Conventionally, many legal systems found their base in
customary law systems, which were traditionally decided and harnessed through practiced
behaviors. While there is no denying the fact that the religious law with religious texts and their
interpretations brought religious law as a source of legal authority making its presentation in
societies that were becoming increasingly complex .
Presently, the legal systems of the world broadly fall under the following two major categories:
Civil Law: The system of the civil law codifies and consolidates the law into a central body,
usually a legislature [1]. All it does is emphasize written law; this works fine for countries like
France, Germany, and Japan.
Common Law: Common law systems, as operated in the UK and the USA, are heavily reliant on
judicial precedent. The rulings of a judge create binding case law, which higher courts or
legislatures can only veto [1].
The law establishes the first regard as powers and limitations of governments, democratic
processes, and political activity in defining the very roles of the law.
Economic: Business transactions, investment, and economic growth are all founded by legal
underpinnings, such as contract law, property law, and intellectual property.
History: The development of the legal system is so entwined with the development of society
itself from the formation of empires to individual human rights.
United States Constitution, 1787—Outlined structure of the U.S. government and basic rights.
Geneva Conventions, 1949: Established sta Civil Rights Act, which banned discrimination
based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Affordable Care Act of 2010, reforming
healthcare to be more accessible and affordable for United States citizens; the Sherman
Antitrust Act of 1890, which sought to dissolve concentrations of power that would diminish
trade and economic competition; and the Clean Air Act of 1970, dealing with air emissions in
order to protect humans and the environment from its negative effects.
Clean Water Act, 1972: Regulates the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United
States to maintain water quality as it is presently found.
Patriot Act, 2001: The U.S. investigative authority of law enforcement agencies gets extended in
reaction to terrorism.
Roe v. Wade, 1973: Abortion is legalized within the United States of America.
Marbury v. Madison (1803): It provided a clear case for judicial review within the framework of
U.S. constitutional law. Brown v. Board of Education
(1954): The decision made it unequivocal that state laws establishing separate public schools
cannot be constitutional.
Social Security Act (1935): The act provided financial support to the elderly, jobless, and
physically disabled.
Model Penal Code (1962): This influential criminal code led to the codification of criminal law
across the United States.
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
1969—codified the rules for treaties between states. Family and Medical Leave Act,
1993—mandatory leave without pay due to family or medical reasons for eligible employees.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 1977—prohibited a U.S. company from bribing foreign officials.
Clayton Antitrust Act,
1914—strengthened the antitrust laws in order to further foster competition. Equal Pay Act,
1963—prohibited differentials in wages between men and women on account of sex.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002): Assured improved corporate disclosures and accountability in the
aftermath of financial scandals.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (1998): Tackled copyright problems in a digital era.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): Enshrines the rights of children all over the world.
Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): Aims at the conservation of biodiversity with its
sustainable use.
CITES: it is the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora. This pact controls the international trade in endangered species.
Securities Act of 1933: this act controls the offering and selling of securities for protecting the
investors from inaccurate or incomplete disclosure.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934: it controls securities exchange to protect the investors and
have fair and efficient markets.
No Child Left Behind Act, 2001: it was aimed at enhancing the performances of students in
elementary and secondary levels.
National Labor Relations Act, 1935: it ensured that the employees and employers were both
protected, and this, in effect allowed collective bargaining.
Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938: It established minimum wages, overtime pay, record keeping,
and standard concerning youth employment. Don't Ask, Don't Tell,
1993: This act decided the policy of the United States concerning military service by those who
are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Defense of Marriage Act, 1996: It defined marriage to be between one man and one woman for
federal purposes.
Fugitive Slave Act, 1850: Ordered that runaway slaves be returned to their masters.
Homestead Act, 1862: Provided land grants for settlers, encouraging westward expansion.
Pure Food and Drug Act, 1906: Selling of foodstuff and drugs was regulated to consumers w.r.t.
their safety.
Prohibition, 1920: Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.
New Deal Legislation, 1930s: No. of programs and reforms for combating the Great
Depression.
Civil Rights Act of 1968: It provided for equal housing opportunities, irrespective of race,
religion, and national origin.
Title IX, 1972: Prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that
receive federal funding. Immigration Reform and Control Act,
1986: This act aimed to solve the problem of undocumented immigration and granted amnesty
to different groups of illegal aliens.
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, 1994: It dealt with crime prevention, law
enforcement, and prison reform.
First Step Act of 2018: Criminal Justice Reform Legislation to reduce recidivism. Justice for All
Act of 2018: advanced the rights of crime victims and provided improved access to DNA testing.
These 49 laws were simply phenomenal in changing society, governance, and human rights.
They are a blend of historical milestones, civil rights movements, safeguards against the
environment, and legal principles that defined contemporary law..