The law is generally understood as a system of rules which are created and applied to social or governmental institutions, although its precise definition is the subject of . It has been variously described as a science and the art of justice. Laws enforced by the state may be enacted by a collective legislature or by a single legislator, giving rise to laws, through executive decreases and regulations, or established by judges. law jurisdictions. Individuals can create legally binding contracts, including arbitration agreements that may choose to accept an alternative to the normal court process. The laws of formation can be influenced by a constitution, written or implied, and the rights encoded therein.

Legal systems vary from country to country, their differences being analyzed in comparative law. In civil law jurisdictions, a legislature or other central body codifies and consolidates the law. In common law systems, judges establish binding case law precedents, but on occasion the case law may be overturned by a higher court or the legislator. Historically, religious law has influenced secular issues and is still used in some religious communities. Sharia-based Islamic principles are used in the main legal system in many countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.