1. What is Law. The Rule of Law. Branches of Law.

In everyday life people use the word “law” in many different ways. We may speak of the laws of physics, mathematics, science, or laws for games, for sports and for employees in the workplace. When we speak of the law of the state we use the term “law” in a special and strict sense, and in that sense law may be defined as a system of rules a society sets to maintain order and protect persons and property. In ancient societies laws were written by leaders to set out rules on how people can live, work and do business with each other. Today in most countries laws are written by legislators, such as senators and congressmen. In a democracy, members of legislature are elected by the general public.

The Rule of Law is the law which says that government can only legally use its power in a way the government has, as agreed in a country`s constitution. The Rule of Law prevents dictatorship and protect s the rights of the people. When leaders enforce the legal code honestly, even on themselves and their friends, this is an example of the rule being followed.

There are many branches of law. These include contract law, property law, tort law, criminal law, constitutional administrative law and international law. Each of these sets the rules for a distinct area of human activity.

1. Что является Законом. Норма права. Разделы Закона.

В повседневной жизни люди используют слово “закон” многими различными способами. Мы можем говорить о законах физики, математики, науки или законов для игр, для спортивных состязаний и для сотрудников на рабочем месте. Когда мы говорим о законе государства, мы используем термин “закон” в специальном и строгом смысле, и в том смысле закон может быть определен как система правил, которые общество устанавливает, чтобы поддержать порядок и защитить людей и собственность. В древних обществах законы были изданы лидерами, чтобы изложить правила о том, как люди могут жить, работать и поддерживать деловые отношения друг с другом. Сегодня в большинстве законов о странах написаны законодателями, такими как сенаторы и конгрессмены. В демократии члены законодательного органа избраны широкой публикой.

Норма права является законом, в котором говорится, что правительство может только по закону использовать свою власть в способе, которым правительство имеет, по договоренности в конституции страны. Норма права предотвращает диктатуру, и защитите s права людей. Когда лидеры проводят в жизнь свод законов честно, даже на себе и их друзьях, это - пример сопровождаемого правила.

Есть много разделов закона. Они включают договорное право, право собственности, гражданское право, уголовное право, конституционное административное право и международное право. Каждый из них устанавливает правила для отличной области деятельности человека.

2. The Role of Law.

If we did not live in a structured society with other people, laws would not be necessary. We would simply do as we please, with little regard for others. But ever since individuals began to associate with other people – to live in society – laws have been the glue that has kept society together. For example, the law in England states that we must drive our cars on the left-hand side of a two-way street. If people were allowed to choose to random which side of the street to drive on, driving would be dangerous and chaotic. Laws regulating our business affairs help to ensure that people keep their promises. Laws against criminal conduct help to safeguard our personal property and our lives.

Even in well-ordered society, people have disagreements and conflicts arise. The law must provide a way to resolve these disputes peacefully. If two people claim to own the same piece of property, we do not want the matter settled by a duel: we turn to the law and to institutions like the courts to decide who the real owner is and to make sure that the real owner`s rights and respected.

In our society, laws are not only designed to govern our conduct: they are also intended to give effect to social policies. For example, some laws provide for benefits when workers are injured at the job, for health care, as well as for loans to students who otherwise might not be able to go to university.

Another goal of the law is fairness. This means that the law should recognize and protect certain basic individual rights and freedoms, such as liberty and equality. The law also serves to ensure that strong groups and individuals do not use their powerful positions in society to take unfair advantage of weaker individuals.

However, despite the best intentions, laws are sometimes created that people later recognize an unjust or unfair. In a democratic society laws are nor carved in stone, but muse reflect the changing needs of society. In a democracy, anyone who feels that a particular law is flawed has the right to speak out publicly and to seek to change the law by lawful means.