Substantive Law Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Substantive Law.

Substantive Law (noun):

A kind of law that establishes the rights, duties, and prohibitions in society. It defines how members of a society must behave and outlines the limitations on these actions. For example, while a person has the right to free speech, substantive law may limit this right if it threatens national integrity. This law is contrasted with procedural law, which lays out the processes for enforcing these rights and rules.