Keith Mack
Law is a diverse field with many specializations. The four 'main types of law' are constitutional, statutory, administrative, and common law. However, there are many more types of law that one can study and practice, including criminal law, civil law, family law, health law, immigration law, intellectual property law, international law, and municipal law. The choice of which type of law to study depends on one's personal circumstances, passions, and interests. Law degrees can also be combined with other subjects, such as business, to provide a more diverse educational background and improve job prospects.
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What You'll Learn
Constitutional, statutory, administrative and common law
There are many types of law that one can study, including European Union law, Islamic law, intellectual property law, and maritime law. The four "main types" of law are constitutional, statutory, administrative, and common law.
Constitutional law refers to the interpretation of constitutions and how they apply to legislative enactments and law enforcement actions. For example, in Miranda v. Arizona, the Supreme Court of the United States interpreted the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to guarantee the right to an attorney for any individual who cannot afford one.
Statutory laws are those passed by legislative bodies such as Congress and state legislatures. Statutes are the official compilation of all public and private laws and resolutions passed by Congress. They are listed in chronological order of enactment and arranged by public law number.
Administrative law refers to the rules and regulations established by administrative bodies, such as government agencies, to carry out the implementation of legislation. These laws are created to facilitate the administration and processing of cases and may provide significant rights for defendants.
Common law refers to the legal rules and standards established by courts. Common law is subject to displacement by legislative enactments and is bound by the legal limitations imposed by federal and state constitutions.
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Criminal law
Some examples of crimes that are covered in criminal law include forcible rape, sodomy, simple assault, arson, embezzlement, larceny, and criminal negligence.
Students of criminal law are encouraged to undertake internships as law clerks to gain practical experience and knowledge that will be useful when seeking a job later.
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Civil law
In mixed jurisdictions, civil law coexists with other legal traditions such as common law, customary law, or Islamic law. These mixed systems can be uncodified, like in Scotland and certain countries in Africa and Asia, or codified, with civil law serving as the background law while public law is heavily influenced by other legal traditions.
The German Civil Code has been particularly influential, shaping the civil codes of countries like Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland. It is divided into five parts: the General Part, which covers definitions and concepts like personal rights and legal personality; Obligations, including debt, sale, and contract; Things (property law); and Succession (estate law).
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International law
Education and Curriculum
Law schools with a focus on international law, such as Yale Law School and Cornell Law School, offer a diverse curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of topics. Students can expect to delve into international human rights, refugee rights, gender justice, labour rights, and more. The curriculum is taught by permanent faculty members, distinguished practitioners, and visiting professors from other universities around the world, providing a global perspective.
Practical Experience
Specialisations and Degrees
Students interested in international law can pursue various specialisations and degrees. For instance, Cornell Law School offers a J.D. & LL.M. in International and Comparative Law combined pathway, a J.D. with a specialisation in international legal affairs, and international dual-degree programs with partner institutions in France and India. Additionally, study abroad opportunities, such as the Cornell-Paris 1 Summer Institute, allow students to immerse themselves in different legal cultures.
Career Opportunities
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Family and juvenile law
Topics covered in family and juvenile law include marriage and divorce, relationships outside of marriage, parent-child relations, community property, juvenile justice, child welfare law, adoption, domestic violence, and immigrant rights. Students and teachers tackle fundamental questions, such as what policies contribute to the health of children and families in a diverse society, and what principles should guide the resolution of family conflict.
Attorneys practising family and juvenile law often represent clients in distress, including parents who have lost custody of their children, children facing prosecution, or families concerned about an elderly relative's ability to care for themselves. These lawyers must be adept at counselling emotional clients, negotiating favourable resolutions in high-stakes matters, and comfortable with trial lawyering.
Career paths for those specialising in family and juvenile law include family law practitioners, guardian ad litem or child's attorney, social services agency attorney, district attorney, public defender, public policy-maker, and judicial clerkships in specialised courts.
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Frequently asked questions
The four 'main types of law' are often called constitutional, statutory, administrative, and common law.
There are many types of law you can study, including criminal law, civil law, family law, health law, immigration law, intellectual property law, international law, employment law, education law, and entertainment law.
You can study a joint degree in Law & Business, which can give you a deeper understanding of how commerce relates to the legal system and a decisive edge over the competition.
You should consider your personal circumstances, passions, and interests. You should also research the different types of law and the career opportunities associated with them. Additionally, you should consider the reputation and strengths of the law school you plan to attend.
