Laws give us rights

Laws give us rights

The question "What is law?" has been central to jurisprudence, with many definitions emerging over time. Fundamentally, law consists of rules and regulations created and enforced by governments to regulate conduct within society. While often perceived as restrictive, laws are instrumental in granting and protecting essential rights that underpin daily life.

Firstly, laws establish the right to own property. Without legal frameworks, ownership would be uncertain, and individuals could not securely possess homes, land, or personal belongings. Laws protect against theft and unauthorized use, ensuring stability and encouraging economic activity. Secondly, laws guarantee safety on roads through traffic regulations. Speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules are not mere restrictions but entitlements to safe passage, reducing accidents and saving lives. Lastly, laws enforce the right to fair compensation for work. Labor laws mandate minimum wages, timely payments, and safe working conditions, preventing exploitation and ensuring dignity for workers.

Historically, societies have always relied on laws—written or unwritten—to maintain order. As noted, Native American communities governed themselves through unwritten rules, demonstrating that law, in any form, is essential to prevent chaos and protect rights. Although not all laws are perfect, they provide a necessary structure that enables individuals to exercise their rights securely. Without laws, rights would be theoretical, vulnerable to infringement, and society would descend into disorder. Thus, laws are not just constraints but enablers of freedom and justice

Furthermore, employment law secures the critical right to be compensated for labor.

Statutes governing minimum wage, safe working conditions, and the enforcement of contracts ensure that workers receive the payment they are owed. This prevents exploitation and upholds the basic dignity of work. Without these legal protections, the power imbalance between an individual and a large corporation would be overwhelming.

In conclusion, law is far more than a list of prohibitions. It is a proactive force that establishes and enforces the rights to property, safety, and fair compensation.

These legal guarantees are invisible yet indispensable, forming the silent pillars upon which trust, commerce, and daily life are built.

They transform abstract concepts of freedom into tangible, protected realities.

Nadezhda Kovaleva YUPR-22