õigusharud

õigusharud refers to the branches of law. These are divisions within the legal system, categorized based on the subject matter they regulate. The primary distinction is usually made between public law and private law. Public law governs the relationship between individuals and the state, or between different state entities. This includes areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Constitutional law establishes the fundamental principles of government and the rights of citizens. Administrative law deals with the organization and operation of government agencies and their interactions with the public. Criminal law defines offenses against society and prescribes punishments.

Private law, on the other hand, regulates the relationships between individuals and legal entities. Key branches of private law include civil law, commercial law, and family law. Civil law encompasses a broad range of private rights and obligations, such as contracts, property, and torts (civil wrongs). Commercial law specifically addresses business transactions and activities. Family law deals with matters related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance. Within these broad categories, further specialized branches exist, such as labor law, environmental law, and intellectual property law, each focusing on specific areas of legal concern. The division into branches helps to organize the vast body of legal rules and principles, making them more accessible and understandable.