When going into a specialization such as law, it must be understood that the practice of law has no similarities to the “legal entertainment” broadcasted on television. Predominantly, it is not based on courtroom theatrics, investigation of crimes, various forms of drama, or a certain level of glamor. It is based on arguments, and generally not of a verbal nature, but of a written one, unless proceeding to trial. The study of law is one predicated entirely on research, and then the ability to use and apply that research to provide a strong argument for your legal point of view.
Laws entails more than just being able to read and understand a collective set of rules, the writing in its own is embedded with heavy vocabulary and legal terms which may differentiate from the same terms, with another use. The law is always changing as a result of legal reinterpretations by the courts, and through the enactment of new pieces of legislation by governing bodies. It is always expanding, always evolving, and always being challenged.
This is when research becomes key to the study of law, research forms the basis of nearly all arguments, providing support and conjecture to mechanics of any thesis or central point. Any argument must be based on more than just the reading of a law, as well as legal precedents that effect the determination of that law. Legal arguments at their core, are opinions which are based upon evidence that can be physical or testimonial, but also supported by preexisting rhetoric, in the forms of others’ opinions and arguments; especially when they have been found to have been argued successfully elsewhere (this forms the foundation of the importance of precedent).
The extent by which laws are classified are also vast, and it is rare that any individual practices outside of his realm of legal expertise. Generally, the classifications of law breaks down to two main categories, criminal and civil. Criminal law pertains to laws that govern behavior in society, where offenses to the law are viewed as offenses to the state, and civil law, which pertains to disagreements between two parties that must be remedied through legal recourse.
It is due to these complexities that have made the legal profession that is generally so lucrative in real terms for many people, and so consistent in its ability to be employable. It’s what makes the study of the law so rewarding, in many respects, because its rewards must undeniably be earned through study and dedication.
