Saliente, Glesa May G.

JD 1-5/ Introduction to Law

What is law?

Dancil (2013) defines law in its general sense as a science of moral laws based
on the rational nature of man, governing his free activity for the realization of his
individual and social end, demandable and reciprocal. In its specific sense, law is
defined as a rule of conduct, just, obligatory, promulgated by legitimate authority, and of
common observance and benefit.
Generally, laws are set of universal rules that should apply to all. It is based on
the logical nature of man. A man knows what is right or wrong. He also has freewill.
Man has choice to do things according to his will. For that reason, he needs to be ruled
to avoid chaos. Through the imposition of the law, the rights of every man will be
reinforced. In addition, law is demandable, meaning whether a person likes it or not, he
has to follow. It is also reciprocated because man should either do what is required or
do not commit what is prohibited by the law.

One of the characteristic of law is it is a rule of conduct. It is a standard set of

actions that regulate the affairs and behaviors of different people. It is imposed so that
people will interact harmoniously with each other.

Another characteristic of law is it is just. According to US Legal Definition, just

literally means fair, impartial, evenhanded, candid, or reasonable. It can also mean right
or fair according to law. The term can be defined in a wider sense to mean ethically,
morally and legally correct or right; lawful. Depending upon conformity to or in
opposition to law all human actions are either just or unjust. Anything just would be in
perfect harmony with the rights of others. The law is just if it is created and implemented
equally without regards to specific persons. It could be harsh for others but it will always
prevail.

In addition, law is obligatory. It means that it is compulsory. One must follow the
law regardless of his own belief of what is right or wrong. If one does not comply with
the law, certain penalties are imposed.

Law is also promulgated by legitimate authority. In the Philippines, the

government has three branches. Legislative branch create laws while the executive
implement it. In addition, the judiciary enforces the law. No law is imposed without going
through the process under the three branches. As such, law is therefore, the expression
of the sovereignty of the people through duly coordinated authority such as legislature.
 Lastly, law must be enacted for common observance and benefits. It means law
should be observed by all. No one should be favored. As a result, everybody is
benefited from it.

Hence, law is a tool for people to live peacefully.