University of Wisconsin Law School Law In Action

International, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law, contract, tort, property law and trusts are regarded as the “traditional core subjects”, although there are many further disciplines. Ancient India and China represent distinct traditions of law, and have historically had independent schools of legal theory and practice. The Arthashastra, probably compiled around 100 AD , and the Manusmriti (c. 100–300 AD) were foundational treatises in India, and comprise texts considered authoritative legal guidance.

• But in common law countries, where matters are not constitutional, the judiciary may also create law under the doctrine of precedent.
• As the European Court of Human Rights has stated, the law should be adequately accessible to everyone and people should be able to foresee how the law affects them.
• Coase used the example of a nuisance case named Sturges v Bridgman, where a noisy sweetmaker and a quiet doctor