The word "Law" often triggers uneasiness among the average person. We associate with it the imagination of an alien power separate from us. The "Law" lets us think about speeding tickets, parking tickets and court procedures things we do not want to have to do with at all. Without justice, however, mankind s life in communities would be impossible. Law permits social integration, it secures internal peace and it is the foundation of progress. It serves as much to avoid conflict as it serves finding solutions in conflicts. The Law fulfills its promise if it is adhered to. In case of conflict the law presents institutions and processes in order to resolve these. This book serves as introduction to the roots of law mainly in Western societies, its philosophy and use from old to modern times.