What is Substantive Law?

Substantive law says what you can or cannot do. A substantive law defines a legal relationship or prohibits certain conduct. 

For example, a state that says, though shalt not steal. This would be a substantive law. 

What is Procedural law?

Procedural law  dictates how the substantive law is administered or carried out. It determines how you must do something.

For example, a state statute reads, an individual has 30 days to file a response to a civil complaint. This is a procedural law dictating how to carry out a civil action. 

Related Concepts

• What are the “common law” and “civil law” systems?
• What is “public law” and “private law”?
• What is “civil law” and “criminal law”?
• Sources of state and federal law?
• United States Code of Laws

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• What are the “common law” and “civil law” systems?
• What is “public law” and “private law”?
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• United States Code of Laws
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