The law is a system of rules and customs that are enforced by governmental or social institutions. It provides a framework to ensure a peaceful society and when violated, sanctions can be imposed. The precise nature of law has been a subject of debate for many centuries with various books and theories on the topic being written.
There are a number of different fields of law including criminal, civil and corporate. Commercial laws are a vital part of the economic process with contracts regulating the exchange of goods and services while property law deals with ownership. Law also regulates the military and the military industrial complex which is an important part of global politics and international relations.
Legal philosophy is the field that examines the foundations of law and justice, with the philosophies of Kant and Plato being influential in this area. More recently Max Weber and others have reshaped thinking on the extension of the state into people’s daily lives, challenging ideas based on those of Locke or Montesquieu.
Depending on the field of law, there are various careers available for those who wish to work in it. A lawyer, for example, will be able to work in a wide variety of sectors including business, government, education and the media. A career in law can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding, allowing one to assist their clients through a wide variety of situations. Lawyers often deal with disputes, conflicts and even crises involving public policy but can also get involved in regulatory efforts at a local level as well as helping to shape legislative agendas for their states or counties.
For those considering a career in law it is necessary to be aware of the fact that it involves a unique way of thinking and a distinctive vocabulary. This is because it is important for lawyers to be able to communicate their advice in ways that are understandable by their clients who are not necessarily legally trained. Writing verbose and unnecessarily complex opinions or other documents might make a lawyer feel good about themselves but it will not benefit their clients.
In addition, the practice of law is a conservative field with a great deal of emphasis placed on formalism in the dispensation of justice. This can sometimes slow down the process of resolving legal issues which is not conducive to a society that moves forward and evolves. Lawyers are also required to be very familiar with a vast body of law which can often seem cryptic and confusing. This makes it a difficult field for new entrants into the profession to learn. Despite these difficulties, there are several benefits to becoming a lawyer including job satisfaction, earning potential and prestige. Lawyers must be passionate about their chosen career, however, as it is not a career for the faint of heart. They must also be prepared for a life of long hours. In addition to all of this, they must be able to handle the stress of high stakes litigation.