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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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