Types of Law

A glance at the history of law suggests that rules or enactments or rather the law of land was made by the monarchs or the local chief in the interest of the public. In ancient Rome for a certain period of time, it was also framed by the representatives of the people. In the modern era, especially after the industrial revolution, Parliaments and other legislative bodies have taken up the procedure of framing different types of law.

The field of law is so enormous that one specific law degree cannot cover its entire scope. Hence, based upon the classification of law, different law careers have also evolved. Lawyers and attorneys represent people in front of the court of law. Solicitors frame the important legal documents and Judges dispense appropriate justice. In addition to that the paralegals assist all the people working in the filed of law. These professionals, however, specialize and excel in one specific domain of law. The domain is basically a classification or a segment of a set of laws. Corporate law for example is a set of laws that governs business organizations and their workings.

Major Branches of Law

The following are some important classifications of laws and enactments.

1. Criminal Law: Criminal law is often governed by a penal code and deals with hardcore crime cases. In such enactments there is genuine involvement of police department and law enforcers. On the whole studying such a type of law is not at all a pleasant task as it deals with anything from theft to murder. Proceedings of such enactments is often prolonged and in certain cases, dangerous. Lawyers and attorneys, who deal with such laws and cases related thereof, are often termed as criminal lawyers.
2. Corporate Law: The steep rise in business and commerce all around the world has led to the development of what is known as a 'corporate world'. The corporate world compromises of all companies and business organizations that operate for profit. Due to their enormous financial capabilities, these organizations are to be governed by a set of laws which are at largely referred to as corporate law.
3. Consumer Rights: Consumerism is an important feature of modern era, and so is the phenomenon of their rights. In the last fifty years, the popularization of consumer goods has also led to the development of consumer rights and their protection. Consumer laws protect these rights of consumers and consumer right lawyers fight cases for the aggrieved consumers.
4. Labor and Employment Laws: The labor and employment laws are basically framed to protect employees from the unlawful practices and decisions of the authorities of organization where they work. Such laws started to coming into prominence after the industrial revolution. Labor and employment laws are closely related to both criminal as well as corporate laws.
5. Environmental Laws: In the 20th century, pollution, concern about the environment and global warming has led to genuine environmental concerns which has led to passing of some important environment protection laws that are imposed on all citizens and also business organizations.

Though, these types are considered to be the prominent ones, there are some other laws that are equally necessary such as banking and insurance laws and even marine laws. Another strict feature of laws is the civil rights procedures that forms the basis of a democratic nation. It is important that we obey and honors all these laws and also use them to the best ethical benefit.