Law is a study of the relationship between people, institutions, and government. It shapes economics, politics, history, and society, and acts as a mediator between people. Law deals with many common issues, including criminal offenses, immigration, consumer rights, and housing problems. In addition, it deals with the rights of children and other individuals.
Legal systems are divided into two basic categories: common law and civil law. Both systems share some characteristics, such as the doctrine of precedent, which binds higher courts to uphold earlier decisions. Both legal systems use statutes and judicial decisions to interpret the law, although civil law decisions are usually less detailed and less precedent-setting.
The United States Statutes at Large are a reference guide for new public and private laws. They are published in new editions after each session of Congress and include bills and resolutions introduced by the current and previous Congress. They also contain joint resolutions that are designated public law. Laws are also published by the Law Library of Congress. The federal government also has regulations that explain how it plans to carry out laws.
The United Nations (UN) also has a commission known as the International Law Commission. This commission was established by the General Assembly in 1947 to promote the progressive development of international law. It is composed of 34 members representing the major legal systems in the world. Each of these members serves as an independent expert, and does not represent any particular country. The members of the commission discuss and prepare drafts of laws on aspects of international law.