The world today is governed by countless legal systems with each one different from the other but based on the same founding moral principles. In the era of globalization, every country is affected by the legal system of another.
For students specifically looking to pursue law as a career, this basic understanding of similarities and differences is imperative.
Legal Systems at a Glance
Civil Legal System
Roman law is where the civil law system emerges from. Civil systems differ greatly in terms of both application and theory. But research on a nation’s civil law system should also look at that nation’s unique legal structure. Civil law countries have extensive and regularly revised legal codes.
Common Legal System
Common law regimes rely more on prior judicial rulings and precedents. Instead of being investigative, common-law systems are adversarial, with the court mediating between two opposed parties. The United States is governed by this legal system.
Customary Legal System
Customary law systems are founded on behavioral patterns (or conventions) that have come to be acknowledged as legal requirements or standards of conduct within a specific nation.
Customary legal systems frequently have unwritten laws that are frequently administered by elders and handed down through generations.
Mixed Legal System
Mixed legal systems are those in which two or more of the legal systems coexist.
How to Learn More About the Legal System
Online Classes
Online courses can be a great and cost-effective way to learn about legal systems. This way, you can even get certified. Suppose you live in one country and want to get a law degree from another; in the digital world, this is doable. But the costs will vary depending on the university you choose and the country you’re in.
Podcasts
You may have a family and a job to consider and can’t take a course in legal studies at the moment. What if you only get time in the day when you go to the gym or for a walk? That’s not a problem. Until you can take classes, you can always listen to attorney podcasts. Go on with your daily chores and gain knowledge on the go.
Online Communities
The ability to talk to people from different countries is one great result of evolved technology. People around the world can get together over a shared interest. In this case, it can be for the love of law.
People from different institutions or legal systems can make online communities on social media sites. There they can share their experiences and systems. Through this method, you cannot only understand the legal system of where you live but can also compare them to other countries. It is a great exercise if you wish to study international relations.
Why You Should Study the Legal System
The Prestige Factor
Being a lawyer comes with its share of honor. You might know quite a few stereotypes when talking about lawyers, but they don’t necessarily have to be true. Lawyers at renowned law firms enjoy a high status. This is correlated to the next perk that you will read.
Law Makes for a Great Career Option
When choosing a career path, money should not be the only consideration, but more often than not, it is. Job security is next. As a lawyer, people tend to enjoy both.
Transferable Skills
You often have to build up your research and writing skills when getting a law degree. This skill applies to being a lawyer and can be used in many other fields. This skill will be well appreciated no matter what you decide to do in life.
Conclusion
Most people understand the importance of learning and following society’s legal systems. However, if you are very interested in law, consider applying the above tips.
