Law enforcement

Law enforcement (pronunciation: /lɔː ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/) is the activity of some members of government who act in an organized manner to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society.

Etymology

The term "law enforcement" is a direct translation of the Latin lex (law) and enforcere (to enforce). It was first used in the English language in the early 19th century.

Related Terms

Police: The civil force of a national or local government, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order.
Crime: An action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.
Justice: The legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered.
Punishment: The infliction or imposition of a penalty as retribution for an offence.
Rehabilitation: The action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.
Deterrence: The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
Government: The governing body of a nation, state, or community.