Law term papers

What Is the Study of Law?

Law can loosely be defined as a system of established regulations, rules, and guidelines in society that are enforced by a variety of social institutions to regulate the behavior of those living in that society.  There are many types of laws that have been established in order to control social behavior.  These laws are broken down into different fields based on what area of society they intend to govern. Laws vary from country to country, state to state and city to city; they also govern the behavior of countries as a whole and how these countries interact with one another in modern society.  The law is always changing and evolving as humans evolve and ethics and morals change.  The study of law is the extensive study of these systems of established regulations, rules, and guidelines and the understanding of how these things are interpreted in order for them to effectively govern the behavior of societies.  

 The History of Law

Law, the study of it, and the development of legal principles all have a rich history with its roots in Egypt, Greece, Rome, ancient China, and ancient India.  Roman law in particular was built significantly under the influences of the Greek philosophy and adjusted and grew with the Empire before its decline.  The legal system in the United States developed heavily through the influences and principles of English common law, except for the State of Louisiana which modeled much of its legal system after the French model of law. 

 Career Opportunities for Those Who Study Law

Law can be studied at the undergraduate level or in law school for a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), Masters of Laws (LL.M.), or Doctor of Juridicial Science (S.J.D.).  Many law schools also offer a variety of different joint degree programs, which allow a student to obtain a J.D. in conjunction with other Master’s or Doctorate degrees.  An individual who obtains a J.D., LL.M, or S.J.D. may pursue any career involving the practice of law.  These careers include lawyers, judges, judicial clerks, law clerks, legal aid practice, politicians or other types of government positions, assistant district attorneys, public defenders, or academic careers such as teaching.  Individuals who choose to pursue a legal education at an undergraduate level may pursue careers in the field of law that include a legal assistant or paralegal.  These individuals may not participate in the practice of law but can assist those who do.     

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