A law is a rule made by an authority and that must be obeyed. A law is commonly made by a government, which citizens must follow or face punishment. For example, in most places there are laws about not stealing. The law serves many purposes. Four principal ones are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights. Lawyer, one trained and licensed to prepare, manage, and either prosecute or defend a court action as an agent for another and who also gives advice on legal matters that may or may not require court action.