Whether you have a legal issue or you simply want to learn more about the law, it is important to understand the basics. Law is a set of rules that governs a community and is enforced by social institutions and governmental authorities. There are three main types of law: common law, civil law and criminal law.
Common law is a legal system in which the decisions of courts are regarded as the law of the land. The decisions of a court are based on precedents, which are the previous judicial decisions in a particular case. These are then used by judicial authorities to decide whether the facts in a case are true.
Civil law is a type of legal system that is based on judicial decisions and is typically shorter than common law. Judges in these systems are writing to decide a single case, not to set a legal standard for the whole country.
The legal system in Canada recognizes individual rights. Whether you are a Canadian or a foreigner, you have the same rights under the law.
Law is often referred to as the art of justice. It involves the resolution of disputes between people, in a way that is peaceful and fair. Legal issues arise from unexpected circumstances, such as family problems or work problems. You may need a lawyer to help you with your issue.
Law is also referred to as the system of rules and regulations in a country. The Oxford Reference website provides comprehensive and authoritative information about the major legal systems in the UK and the United States.