The Basics of Law
Law is the body of rules and regulations in a society. These rules are generally either written or unwritten. There are a variety of legal systems, including civil, common, and admiralty law. This article will briefly discuss the three major branches of law and their underlying principles. Also, we’ll look at different aspects of sea law.
Common law
Common law is a legal system that develops over time. Unlike statutory law, which has a fixed reference point, common law is constantly evolving. Because of this, decisions of courts are often influenced by recent trends in society and are not confined to an earlier period of time. This flexibility in the common law system allows the legal system to evolve without sharp breaks.
Civil law
The origins of civil law date back to mainland Europe, but many parts of the world have adopted it. It developed from the intellectual system of Roman law, and serves as the primary source of law.
Admiralty law
Admiralty law is a branch of the law that governs the maritime industry. This branch includes both domestic maritime law and private international law. The latter deals with relationships between private parties, while the former governs issues related to maritime safety.
Sea law
Sea law is the area of international law that governs the use of the sea. It covers all areas of the sea, including the high seas. The high seas are those areas of water that are not included in a country’s EEZ or territory, including inland waters. As early as 1609, Grotius formulated the maxim “Mare Liberum,” which asserted that the sea could not be owned by anyone. Since then, human beings have developed the technology to utilize seabed resources to meet their needs. Seabed resources such as oil, gas, and other natural resources are being mined, developed, and marketed. The modern era has brought about changes in this field, and the classic principle of “Freedom of the Sea” has been pushed into the background.
Contract law
Contract law is a system of legal agreements that form the basis for all commercial transactions. These agreements are made between two parties who agree to carry out a specific act. Common examples of contracts include the sale of goods or services, construction contracts, carriage contracts, software licenses, employment contracts, and the sale or lease of land.
Consumer law
Consumer protection is an area of law that protects the public and buyers from unfair practices. Many laws have protections that are designed to protect consumers and the public from unfair practices.
Administrative law
Administrative law is the area of law that governs the executive branches of government. It focuses on the rule making, adjudication, and enforcement of laws by government agencies. As a result, it is a branch of public law.