Social Justice

Definition and Classification of Law

Law:

Law is a system of rules created and enforced by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior.It is a system of rules which a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and which it may enforce by the imposition of sanctions or penalties.

It ensures justice, order, and stability in society. Law can be broadly defined as a set of enforceable rules that govern relationships between individuals and the state.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF LAW 

Law can be classified into different categories based on its nature and application:

1)Criminal Law: This addresses offenses against the state ,Nation or society and is classified as crime.It defines what crime is.Punishments may include ,death sentence if it involves life,fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. Example: The case of armed robbery,murder.etc.

2)Civil Law/ Common Law : This is concerned with disputes between individuals or entities/organizations.It usually involves seeking compensation or specific performance due to negligence.It is derived from judicial decisions and precedent. Judges interpret laws and make decisions based on previous cases. The concept of "stare decisis" in common law systems, where decisions set precedents for future. It is the Codified legal systems where laws are written into Examples include breach in contract agreements, Land ownership disputes.etc

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3) International Law:International Law are those that governs relationships between sovereign states , between two countries and international organizations.Such cases are treated in International courts.Example is the Nigeria and Cameroon dispute over the Bakassi Peninsula.

4)Domestic Law: this Pertains to the laws within a specific country or jurisdiction.

Example: The Nigeria Constitution and federal laws form the domestic legal framework in the country.

Public Law: Deals with the relationship between individuals and the state.

Constitutional Law: Governs the structure and functions of government institutions.

7)Administrative law:Regulates organizations and government administrative operations. 8)Private Law :Governs relationships between individuals or private entities.

9)ContractLaw:This is the law that regulates agreements between parties in the execution of contracts.

10)Tort Law: Covers civil wrongs and compensation.

11)Property Law: Deals with ownership and rights over property.

12)Customary Law: Based on traditions and cultural practices of an area or society.

13) Religious Law: Derived from religious doctrines, such as Sharia law.