Introduction to Law

The video begins by defining law according to Saint Thomas Aquinas as a rule of conduct promulgated by a competent authority for the common observance and benefit. It is obligatory, meaning non-observance leads to penalties, and aims for the general welfare.

Various divisions of law are discussed: state law (enforced by government, general or specific), divine law (religion and faith), moral law (right and wrong), natural law (justice, fairness), and physical law (regularity, physics).

A key legal principle is that everyone is presumed to know the law, and ignorance of the law does not excuse non-compliance. This is a conclusive presumption, meaning it cannot be refuted.

The hierarchical structure of Philippine courts is outlined, including special courts (e.g., Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals) and regular courts, from Municipal Trial Courts to the Supreme Court, which is the highest court.

The primary sources of law are the Constitution (the supreme and fundamental law of the land, prevailing over all other laws), legislation (laws passed by Congress, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives), administrative regulations and rulings (issued by administrative officials like the BIR or DTI), and judicial decisions (especially from the Supreme Court, which form part of the law of the land). Other sources include customs and opinions of legal experts.

Laws are classified into substantive law, which creates, defines, and regulates rights and duties, and adjective or remedial law, which dictates the manner by which rights may be enforced. Additionally, laws can be public (governing government and people) or private (governing relationships between individuals).