Law is a system of rules that are derived from human conduct. A common law system is a decentralized, pluralistic system, in which law emerges from the work of many individuals and a legislative center. Its fundamental principles include equality, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. These principles are important to the functioning of a democracy, and they must be followed in all aspects of law-making.
Principles of the Rule of Law
The Rule of Law is an ideal that exists in a legal society. Its goal is to ensure that people have the opportunity to exercise their rights without fear of arbitrary government action. The Rule of Law is also a means of limiting the scope of power and limiting its peremptory use. It creates a bond of reciprocity and mutual constraint and, as such, minimizes the asymmetry of political power.
Legal norms
Legal norms are a basic building block of the legal system. They govern and enforce certain legal relations and implement policies. These norms are generally part of legislation and enter into force and are repealed on specific dates. The fundamental elements of a legal norm are the disposition and the sanction. The disposition is the general rule of conduct in a society, while the sanction is the action of punishing someone for violating a legal norm. Different legal norms can share the same elements.
Legislation
Law is a body of norms that governs our social life. It shapes politics, economy, and history. It also serves as a medium between individuals and groups.
Common law
Common law rules are produced by the interplay of precedents, moral norms, policies, and experience. However, courts are not free to employ any policies they want; they must satisfy three standards to justify their adoption.
Legal pragmatism
Legal pragmatism is a legal philosophy that offers an alternative to traditional legal thinking. Proponents of legal pragmatism argue that traditional legal thought is rooted in a lack of awareness of conflicting perspectives. Lawyers are trained to think logically and simplify problems, but this training often teaches them to ignore the many complexities of the legal world.
Religious law
Religious law is a set of moral and ethical codes that are taught by different religious traditions. Some religious systems hold sacred law more strongly than others, and some reject it completely. For example, Christianity emphasizes the eternal moral precepts of divine law, but rejects judicial and civil aspects of it.