Top Three Reasons to Get a Law Degree

Nearly since the first humans were created on earth, many different ethic and people groups, kingdoms and civilizations emerged. Perhaps one of the most defining aspects which differentiated the successful, longstanding empires from those that lasted only a few decades was the law by which a civilization and its people were subject to. Some of the most powerful empires of the world including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans all were known for their governance by the rule of law. Further, history shows us through the fall of civilization after civilization that as a rule of law deteriorates and is replaced by fraud and corruption; the fall is soon to follow.

In thousands of years many things about people have changed. Customs have changed, dress has changed, languages have changed, technology has evolved, and even laws have changed over time, but the need for the law and a government to properly enforce the law has never changed. Even today, America is governed by the rule of law. Without law, there is lawlessness, disorder, and chaos. Laws are created with the intent to ensure justice, equality, and fairness for all people.  In order for good laws to be established and enforced, there must be individuals trained and educated to understand the law and how better laws can be created.  As important as the laws are to the welfare and even existence of a society is the equal importance for people to understand law.

So the question is posed to modern day American’s in a country where Law is obviously established, “why study law”? While there are many possible answers to this question, this author will give three main reasons why a person should study law. First, there must be law educated people for the primary purpose of updating and creating new laws. Society and culture are always changing and therefore the need for revised laws never expires. Take a very simple example of roadways and cars. When cars were first invented the need for traffic laws was negligible. No need to post a thirty-five MPH speed limit at a time when most engines maxed-out around thirty MPH. Today, however, there is an obvious need to have enforced traffic laws designed to keep drivers and their passengers safe. 

The second major reason to study law is the need to prosecute and defend those who have been accused of breaking the law. A law is worthless if it cannot be enforced with punishment for its breakage. In the same way, a law is not serving its purpose if innocent people are punished for crimes they never committed. There must be people who understand the law and be sure that the law is effective.

Finally, law should be studied because it is important to have citizens with knowledge of the law who can keep lawmakers and other government officials accountable. This is crucial because without accountability, power is known to corrupt and fraud will rule.

Law is critical to society; it helps to create an environment where fallen people can be bound together under common rules, governed under the same law. The law cannot be properly upheld if it is never studied.