Legal

Legal refers to anything relating to the law and to the system by which laws are created, interpreted, and enforced. It encompasses statutes, regulations, case law, and the procedures used to resolve disputes and protect rights. The term also distinguishes what is lawful from what is prohibited or required.

Sources of law include constitutions, which establish fundamental principles and government structure; statutes enacted by legislatures; regulations issued by executive agencies; and judicial decisions that interpret and apply laws. International law governs relations between states and, where applicable, individuals and organizations.

Legal systems vary by country, but most organize law into branches such as criminal law, civil or private law, constitutional law, administrative law, and specialized areas like corporate, family, labor, and intellectual property law. Courts, legislatures, and executive agencies play key roles: legislatures draft statutes, executives implement and enforce rules, and courts interpret and adjudicate disputes.

Core principles include the rule of law, due process, equal protection, and the predictability and stability of legal norms. In practice, individuals engage with the legal system through litigation, negotiation, arbitration, or mediation, often with legal representation.

Historically, legal frameworks evolved from ancient codes to medieval and modern systems. The common law tradition emphasizes case-based reasoning, while civil law relies on comprehensive codes. Today, international, regional, and domestic developments increasingly address issues such as human rights, data protection, and cross-border commerce.