Law

Law is a system of rules that defines what is permitted and what is prohibited, and is enforced by official bodies such as courts, police, and government administration. Law specifies the rights and obligations of individuals, organizations, and the state, and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes.

Law differs from customary norms and social conventions because its enforcement is backed by official authority capable of imposing punishment or sanctions. In many places, law is based on a constitution—a foundational document that defines the structure of government and the limits of authority.

Sources of law

Sources of law include statutes passed by parliament or a legislature; the constitution; administrative regulations issued by ministries; court decisions (particularly in systems based on precedent); recognized customs; and international treaties signed by the state. Many countries also recognize religious law as a source, such as Islamic law in matters of family affairs.

Major divisions

Law is commonly divided into public law and private law. Public law concerns the relationship between the state and the individual, and includes constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Private law governs relationships between individuals: contracts, property, family matters, and civil liability. International law governs relations between states and international bodies.

Legal systems of the world

There are several major legal families. The civil law tradition, derived from Roman law, is based on written codes. The common law tradition, originating in England, places significant weight on prior court decisions. Islamic law is grounded in the Quran, Sunnah, and Islamic jurisprudence. Many countries, including Somalia, use a mixed system combining civil law, Islamic law, and customary xeer (clan-based norms).