Sources of Law
* CHAPTER 1 LAW AND ITS SOURCES Introduction Man is by nature a social being. He comes into contact with other individuals in different capacities. These contacts or associations are the inevitable consequence of modern civilization. In all these associations, he is expected to observe a Code of Conduct or a set of rules. The object of these set of rules is to make human associations possible; and ensure that members of the society may live ; and work together in an orderly and peaceful manner. 1.1 WHAT IS LAW The word `law` is a general term and over a period of time attained different connotations to signify varied purposes. Persons carrying different vocations prefer to identify `law` as to the purpose the prescribed set of rules are intended to achieve: - (i) A Citizen may think of law as a set of rules, which he must obey. (ii) A Lawyer who `practices law` may think of law as a vocation. (iii) A Legislator may look at law something created by him. (iv) A Judge thinks of law as a guide and principles to be applied to making decisions. (v) A Social Scientist may think of law as a means of social control. (vi) A Legal Philosopher may consider law as `dictate of reason` or `right reasoning. It is often preceded by an adjective to give it a more precise meaning e.g. Commercial/ Mercantile law, Civil law, Criminal law, Industrial law, International law. In the legal sense with which we are concerned in our study of Commercial Laws, the definition of `law` includes all the rules and principles which regulate our relations with other individuals and the State and which are enforced by the State. DEFINITON OF `LAW` - ARTICLE 13 (3) OF CONSITTUTION OF INDIA Clause 3 of Article 13 of the Constitution of India defines `law` as under (a) `law` includes any Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having the force of law; An amendment to an existing law is also law. `Law` in the context of the provisions of the