What do superheroes, judges, and detectives all have in common? They fight for justice, protect the innocent, and aim to make the world better.

Believe it or not, studying law is a lot like that - acknowledging what’s right, and what’s wrong, and making sure everyone respects and obeys the law.

Simply put, the law is a set of rules that helps keep order in society. It’s the glue that holds our communities together, guiding how we live, work, and interact with each other every day. From the agreements we make when signing contracts to the laws that protect our rights, the law shapes our lives in ways we often don’t even notice.

If you’re someone who loves to ask questions, challenge the status quo, or want to make a real impact in the world, then you might want to think about deciding to study law.

In this article, we’ll explore different areas of law, the skills you’ll develop, and the different career paths that you can choose from. Plus, we’ll show you how law summer school programmes like Oxford Summer Courses can help you kickstart your journey with a learning experience that’s fun, interactive, and inspiring.

Want to learn more? Keep reading!

What is Law?

The law might sound serious, but in reality, it’s there to protect our safety and protect our rights as citizens against abuses of other people and organisations. Listed below is a breakdown of the different areas of law with real-life examples:

Criminal Law

Criminal law defines what counts as a crime and sets the punishments for those who break the law. Its main goal is to keep society safe by preventing harmful actions. For example, laws against theft and assault ensure that people who commit these crimes are held accountable, with police officers, lawyers, and judges all working together to deliver justice.

Civil Law

Civil law deals with private disputes between individuals, such as disagreements over contracts, property, or family matters like divorce. For instance, if two people disagree over a contract for buying a car, civil law helps settle the dispute fairly. It’s all about resolving conflicts without involving criminal charges.

Corporate Law

Corporate law covers the rules businesses need to follow to operate legally. This includes everything from how companies pay their taxes to how they merge with other businesses. For example, when two companies like Disney and Pixar merged, corporate law helped guide the entire process, ensuring everything was done legally.

Property Law

Property law focuses on people’s rights and responsibilities over their possessions. This could include owning land, buildings, or even stocks and bonds. For example, when someone buys a house, property law governs how the sale happens and ensures that ownership is transferred correctly.

The law helps everyone live together more peacefully. It sets the rules for how we interact, protects our rights, holds people accountable, and provides fair ways to resolve disputes.

Without legal studies, there would be no clear standards of right and wrong, leading to destruction and uncertainty. By establishing boundaries and consequences, the law creates a stable environment where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, helping to build a society that is fair, safe, and just.

Why Study Law?

Law courses have a significant impact on shaping the world we live in, influencing everything from major government decisions to the everyday choices we make.

If you’re wondering why you should invest your time in a law education, here are some of the key reasons and what you’ll learn beyond the textbooks:

1. Make a Real Impact

One of the most powerful reasons to study law is the opportunity it gives you to make a difference.

Whether you’re passionate about criminal justice, human rights, or environmental issues, a law degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to stand up for what you believe in.

You’ll learn how to advocate for others, challenge injustices, and use the legal system to create positive change in society.

2. Know Your Rights (and Help Others Know Theirs)

Many people don’t fully understand their rights or how the legal system protects them.

By studying law, you’ll become the go-to person who not only knows the ins and outs of legal procedures but can also help others navigate their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge is empowering, giving you the confidence to prevent injustices and make informed decisions without always needing to rely on costly legal advice.

3. Build In-Demand Skills

Law is more than just reading cases and writing essays; it’s a degree that sharpens your mind and hones your problem-solving skills.

You'll develop a range of valuable skills like critical thinking, research, negotiation, and effective communication - skills that are sought after by employers in nearly every industry.

4. Open Doors to Diverse Career Paths

Not everyone who studies law wants to become a lawyer or a judge, and that’s perfectly okay! A law degree opens up a world of career opportunities that aren’t just in the courtroom.

You could find yourself in roles like business consulting, teaching, politics, or even starting your venture. Law graduates are highly valued across many sectors because they bring a unique perspective and analytical mindset that can be applied in countless ways.

5. Earn Respect and Prestige

Let’s be honest - a law degree carries a certain level of prestige. It’s a tough discipline that requires dedication, critical thinking, and perseverance, which is why law graduates are often seen as leaders in their fields. Plus, the potential to earn a competitive salary doesn’t hurt!

The role of law in shaping society is fundamental - it plays a crucial role in keeping society running smoothly. It sets the rules for how we behave, protects our rights, and makes sure that justice is done when those rules are broken. By laying out clear guidelines and consequences, the law helps resolve conflicts, promotes fairness, and keeps order in our daily lives.

Key Skills You’ll Learn in Law

One of the most crucial abilities you'll develop when you study law is critical thinking - learning how to analyse a client's problem from every angle, weigh up the evidence, and come up with logical solutions that hold up in court. This skill allows you to break down complex cases and identify the strongest arguments.

You’ll also sharpen your analytical skills, which are essential when dissecting legal documents, contracts, or case studies. Lawyers must be able to sift through mountains of information, pinpointing the facts that matter while filtering out what’s irrelevant.

Public speaking is another vital skill you'll gain through studying law and is required when you're delivering a closing argument in court or negotiating a settlement. You’ll also learn how to present your ideas confidently, persuasively, and with clarity.

Law school teaches you how to think on your feet, respond to unexpected questions, and make your points in a compelling way that resonates with judges, juries, or clients.

Understanding legal frameworks is another key skill of law studies. You’ll learn how laws are created, interpreted, and applied in real-world scenarios, which is crucial for building a solid legal strategy. Knowing how different legal principles and systems work gives you the foundation to navigate complex legal landscapes confidently.

Research and argumentation are at the heart of legal practice. You’ll master the art of digging into case law, statutes, and legal precedents to build a strong foundation for your cases. Crafting a convincing argument backed by solid evidence is what sets great lawyers apart from the rest. These skills will enable you to present a well-structured case that supports your client's position.

Famous Law Experts and Their Work

The world of legal studies has been shaped by remarkable figures whose contributions to legal theory and landmark cases have left a lasting impact on society.

Take Ruth Bader Ginsburg, for instance, a trailblazing Supreme Court Justice in the United States whose work on gender equality transformed legal precedents and inspired change worldwide. Her contributions to legal theory on civil rights have been a cornerstone in shaping how laws are interpreted to protect equality and fairness.

Another iconic case that changed the course of history was Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in the United States. This landmark decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, paving the way for the civil rights movement and fundamentally altering the landscape of education and equality in America.

More recently, the legal prowess of Camille Vasquez and Benjamin Chew was on display during Johnny Depp’s high-profile trial against Amber Heard. Their strategic handling of the case and powerful courtroom arguments turned the trial into a defining legal moment that highlighted issues of defamation and how modern media shapes public perception of justice.

In addition, the famous case of Roe v. Wade (1973) in the U.S. stands as one of the most influential legal battles, establishing a woman's right to choose to have an abortion under the protection of privacy rights. This decision had a profound impact on women's reproductive rights and sparked ongoing debates and legal battles worldwide.

Beyond the courtroom, legal knowledge has also propelled some well-known celebrities to success in their fields. Gerard Butler, best known for his acting career, originally trained as a lawyer before finding his passion on the big screen. Similarly, Rebel Wilson’s legal background has given her a unique edge in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Future Careers in Law

One of the greatest benefits of studying law is the wide range of career opportunities it opens up - not only within the legal profession itself but also in fields where a legal background gives you a significant advantage.

Here are some of the most common career paths that law education graduates pursue:

• Lawyer: As a lawyer, you’ll have the chance to represent clients in court, negotiate deals, and provide legal advice across various specialties. This includes areas like corporate law, where you guide businesses through mergers, contracts, and compliance; human rights law, where you defend individual freedoms and fight against injustices; and environmental law, where you work to protect natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
• Judge: If you're drawn to making fair and impartial decisions, a career as a judge could be the right fit. Judges play a crucial role in interpreting the law, resolving disputes, and ensuring that justice is delivered in both criminal and civil cases. It’s a position that requires a deep understanding of legal principles and a commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal system.
• Legal Consultant: Legal consultants use their expertise to advise businesses, governments, and individuals on complex legal matters. Whether you’re helping a corporation navigate environmental regulations, advising a non-profit on human rights issues, or providing strategic guidance on corporate mergers and acquisitions, your role as a consultant is to offer valuable insights that help clients operate within legal boundaries.
• Policy Advisor: Law graduates are well-equipped to become policy advisors, helping to shape the rules and regulations that govern society. This role often involves crafting policies in areas like corporate law, environmental law, or human rights law to ensure that laws reflect the needs of communities and promote positive change. Policy advisors play a crucial part in influencing decisions at the highest levels of government and within private organisations.

Why Choose Oxford Summer Courses?

One of the things that makes Oxford Summer Courses unique is the flexibility of our curriculum. Unlike traditional programmes, our tutors aren’t tied to a set curriculum. This means they can adapt the course content to suit the preferences and interests of the students attending. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions, and we’ll do our best to tailor the course accordingly to ensure a personalised experience.

For younger students (ages 13-15), our teaching methodologies focus on Seminars and Small Group Learning. In Oxford and Cambridge, students participate in interactive seminars and small group sessions that challenge them intellectually and help them refine critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Through expert guidance and collaborative learning, students gain the support they need to excel.

For students aged 16-24, our courses follow a Tutorial-style Teaching model. This method encourages independent thought, academic exploration, and lively debates in small group seminars. Tutorials provide personalised feedback, helping students develop their ideas and arguments, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

Conclusion

At Oxford Summer Courses, we believe that studying law will inspire you to think critically and see the world through a legal lens. Our courses are crafted to spark curiosity and deepen your understanding through a mix of engaging lessons, practical case studies, and personalised guidance that turns theory into action.

You’ll develop vital skills like analysis, research, and argumentation while enjoying thought-provoking seminars and debates that challenge your perspective on justice and fairness. But it's not all about the academics - our programmes also offer a chance to build lasting friendships and experience the unique atmosphere of historic cities like Oxford and Cambridge.

With the support of passionate tutors and a collaborative learning environment, you’ll be well-equipped to take your first steps into the world of law. For more information on how to apply, deadlines, and pricing, visit our application page. If you have any questions, our FAQs and friendly team are always here to help. Your adventure at Oxford or Cambridge awaits - let’s get started!

Apply to Study Law

Are you ready to take the first step into the exciting world of law? Our courses at Oxford and Cambridge cater to students aged 13-24 and are designed to give you a head start in legal studies. Spaces fill up fast, so don’t miss out - apply today to secure your spot in this unforgettable summer school experience. Whether you’re dreaming of the courtroom or aiming to make an impact on society, we’ll help you get there. Let’s make your journey into law one to remember!

FAQs about Law

1. What is law, and why is it important? Law is the system of rules that society agrees to follow. It’s what keeps order, ensures fairness, and protects individual rights.
2. What skills will I develop in a law summer course? You’ll learn critical thinking, persuasive speaking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how legal frameworks work.
3. Can studying law help with my university application? Definitely! Law courses show universities that you’re serious about learning, great at analysing complex information, and committed to making a difference.
4. What types of law can I explore during this course? You’ll get to study a range of subjects, from criminal and civil law to human rights and corporate law, helping you discover where your passion lies.
5. What are the career opportunities in law? Law opens the door to careers like lawyer, judge, legal consultant, and policy advisor, as well as roles in business, politics, and beyond.

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.