Classification of Laws - A General Overview

Imperative Law - A rule of action imposed upon mere by some authority which enforces obedience to it." In other words it is a command enforced by some superior power either physically or in any other form of compulsion.

Physical or Scientific Law - Typically conclusions based on repeated scientific experiments and observations over many years and which have become accepted universally within the scientific community. The production of a summary description of our environment in the form of such laws is a fundamental aim of science.

Natural or Moral Law - A philosophy asserting that certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature, endowed by nature—traditionally by God or a transcendent source—and that these can be understood universally through human reason.

Conventional Law -A species of special law and has its source in the agreement of those who are subject to it. Agreement is a law for those who make it. For instance, articles of association of a company or partnership are conventional laws.

Customary law - The established pattern of behavior that can be objectively verified within a particular social setting. A claim can be carried out in defense of "what has always been done and accepted by law".

International law - the set of rules generally regarded and accepted in relations between nations. It serves as a framework for the practice of stable and organized international relations. International law differs from state-based legal systems in that it is primarily applicable to countries rather than to individual citizens. National law may become international law when treaties permit national jurisdiction to supranational tribunals such as the European Court of Human Rights or the International Criminal Court. Treaties such as the Geneva Conventions may require national law to conform to respective parts.

Criminal law - Is concerned with offences against the state, i.e. crimes such as murder, housebreaking, theft. The more serious criminal cases are dealt with by a judge and jury; less serious offences (the overwhelming majority) are dealt with by magistrates. The two parties are the prosecution and the accused.

Civil law - is concerned with private litigation, e.g. breaches of contract, disputes concerning property. The complainant issues a statement of claim, setting out the facts he alleges against the defendant and asking for damages or other remedy.