What does law mean?
Law means a rule recognised as binding on the members of a community, especially one created and enforced by a state. In its broadest and most common sense, it refers not merely to an isolated statute but to an entire legal system, as in “the law of the land” or “international law.” A law may also be an established moral or natural principle, such as the law of gravity, while “studying law” refers to the discipline concerned with legal rules and systems. The term distinguishes formally recognised obligations from merely personal preferences or informal conventions, although an unjust law may still be obeyed until it is legally challenged or repealed. In everyday usage, “the law” can sometimes mean the police, particularly in informal or journalistic contexts. Law is central to government because it establishes rights, duties, authority, and procedures for resolving disputes, and its interpretation and application are major subjects of legal, political, and ethical debate.
nounA rule recognized as governing the behaviour of members of a community or the operation of a state. The term can also refer to the body of such rules, a legal principle, or the academic study of law.
- A rule recognised by a community or state as governing conduct.
- The complete body of legal rules belonging to a particular jurisdiction.
- A broadly recognised moral, natural, or logical principle.
- The academic study or discipline of legal systems.
"The new law requires every employer to provide clear information about working conditions."
"Citizens must obey the law even when they disagree with it."
"The university's law library contains an extensive collection of legal reports."
Use the plural for individual enactments, rules, or legal principles, especially when comparing or listing separate provisions. “Laws” is normally countable in these contexts.
"The two laws protect workers from discrimination and unsafe working conditions."
Among the earliest surviving written law codes is the Code of Hammurabi, whose penalties famously ranged from fines to severe punishment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of law
The English word comes through Old French laie from Latin lex, meaning “law” or “rule.” Latin genitive legis and related forms supplied several English words, including legal, legitimate, legacy, and loyal. The term entered Middle English in the Middle Ages and became established in both legal and general senses.
How law is actually used
In general legal contexts, “law” is formal and broadly neutral. Phrases such as “break the law” and “law enforcement” are common, while “the law” can informally refer to the police, as in “the law is investigating the incident”.
Easily confused with law
Law denotes a rule or legal system, while legislation denotes a law or set of laws formally enacted by a legislative body.
A law is a rule established by a legislature or other recognised authority, whereas a regulation is usually a detailed rule issued by an administrative body under delegated authority.