It also forms the basis for the law codes of most countries of continental Europe and has played an important role in the creation of the idea of a common European culture (Stein, Roman Law in European History, 2, 104–107). In the 18th century, Adam Smith presented a philosophical foundation for explaining the relationship between law and economics. The discipline arose partly out of a critique of trade unions and U.S. antitrust law.
- Human rights, civil rights and human rights law are important fields to guarantee everyone basic freedoms and entitlements.
- Obligations, like contracts and torts, are conceptualised as rights