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has been defined as a "system of rules", as an "interpretive
concept" to achieve justice, as an "authority" to
mediate people's interests, and even as "the command of a sovereign,
backed by the threat of a sanction". The numerous ways law
might be thought of reflects the numerous ways law comes into everyone's
lives. Contract law governs everything from buying a bus ticket,
to obligations in the workplace. When buying or renting a house,
property law defines people's rights and duties towards the bank,
or landlord. When earning pensions, trust law protects savings.
Tort law allows claims for compensation when someone or their property
is harmed. But if the harm is criminalised, and the act is intentional,
then criminal law ensures that the perpetrator is removed from society.
Society itself is built upon law. Constitutional law provides a
framework for making new laws, protecting people's human rights
and electing political representatives. Administrative law allows
ordinary citizens to challenge the way government bodies exercise
their power. Between different societies, international law builds
bridges, so that people everywhere can lead better lives. "The
rule of law," wrote the philosopher Aristotle in 350BC, "is
better than the rule of any individual."
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