What are "substantive laws"?

Substantive laws are essential legal principles that establish the rights and obligations of individuals within a society. They define what behaviors are deemed acceptable or unacceptable and outline the legal relationship between people, as well as the consequences of violating these laws. This body of law encompasses many areas, including contract law, tort law, criminal law, and property law.

In contrast, laws governing the process of legal proceedings, like procedural laws, focus on how the law is enforced rather than defining the rights themselves. Similarly, administrative laws pertain to the procedures and operations of government agencies, and laws that only apply in civil cases would be a more limited subset. However, substantive laws apply in both criminal and civil contexts, addressing fundamental legal rights and responsibilities. Thus, the definition provided aligns perfectly with the concept of substantive law, making it the correct choice.