What does substantive law primarily deal with?

Substantive law focuses on the substance of legal rights and duties, defining what individuals can and cannot do under the law. It encompasses the set of laws that govern how people interact with one another and the rights they have, such as property rights, contract rights, and torts. This area of law is concerned with the actual content of legal relationships and obligations, allowing individuals to understand their legal standing and the implications of their actions within society.

For instance, substantive law will outline the rules of engagement in contract negotiations, specifying what constitutes a legally binding agreement, what terms are enforceable, and what rights arise from those agreements. It also delineates the parameters defining property ownership and the rights associated with it, alongside the legal definitions of harms and liabilities in tort law.

By contrast, procedural law pertains to the mechanisms and procedures followed in judicial processes, while enforcement laws cover the ways in which judgments and contracts are put into effect. Understanding the distinction between substantive law and these other categories helps clarify the fundamental principles governing legal systems.