One category establishes rights and obligations. It defines what conduct is acceptable or prohibited, outlining the elements of crimes, the terms of contracts, and the basis for civil lawsuits. For example, it might specify that theft is a crime or that a contract requires specific performance. Another body of rules governs the process by which legal cases are adjudicated. It dictates how lawsuits are filed, what evidence is admissible, and how trials are conducted. These rules ensure fairness and order in the legal system.
These distinct branches of legal principles are fundamental to a functioning judicial system. The first, defining rights and duties, provides the framework for societal order and individual protections. The second ensures that these rights and duties are enforced in a just and consistent manner. Historically, the development of both has been intertwined, with changes in one often influencing the other. An effective system requires both a clear understanding of entitlements and a fair method for resolving disputes.
