The law is a set of rules governing a group or society. It is usually enforced by penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, for breaking the rules. Law is a vast field of study, encompassing a wide variety of areas such as contracts, torts, and property laws, among others. The purpose of the law is generally outlined as establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights.

Depending on its definition, the law can incorporate elements of morality. Utilitarian philosopher John Austin defined the law as “commands, backed by threat of sanctions, from a sovereign, to whom people have a habit of obedience.” Natural lawyers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argued that laws reflect innate moral and unchangeable principles of nature.

Law can be based on religious precepts, as in Jewish halakha and Islamic Sharia. It can also be based on human elaboration, as with common law and canon law (which survives in certain church communities).

The law shapes politics, economics, history, culture, and society in various ways. It has a direct influence on relationships, governance, commerce, and individual rights. The law is a fundamental part of a nation’s identity and it can be used for good or bad purposes, such as to maintain social order, control terrorism, or suppress minority views. Law can also be used as a tool to promote economic growth. Oxford Reference provides concise, expert definitions and in-depth encyclopedic entries across the broad field of law.