Organic law is a term that is often used in legal and political contexts. The spelling of this term is made up of three syllables: or-gan-ic law. The first syllable, "or," is pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "orange" – represented in IPA transcription as /ɔr/. The second syllable, "gan," is pronounced with a soft "g" sound and a short "a" sound, as in "gander" – represented in IPA transcription as /ɡæn/. The final syllable, "ic law," is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a soft "l" sound, as in "awe" and "law" – represented in IPA transcription as /oʊrɡənɪk lɔ/.
Organic law refers to a set of fundamental principles, rules, or statutes that establish and govern the functioning of a particular society, group, organization, or nation. This type of law is usually the highest level of legislation, representing the foundation upon which all other laws and regulations are built. Organic laws are typically written and formalized in a constitution or a similar legal document.
Organic laws are distinct from ordinary statutory laws as they provide the framework for the organization, structure, and operation of a particular entity or system. They outline the fundamental rights, obligations, and powers of individuals, institutions, and branches of government, as well as the procedures for lawmaking, decision-making, and dispute resolution. As such, organic laws are often considered more permanent and difficult to amend compared to regular laws.
The organic law of a country, for example, sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens, establishes the form of government, defines the role and responsibilities of each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial), and delineates the relationship between the government and its citizens. It also provides mechanisms for expressing the will of the people, such as elections or referendums, and establishes the processes for enacting, amending, or repealing laws.
In summary, organic law is the cornerstone or foundational legal framework that governs a particular society, organization, or nation, setting out the fundamental principles, rights, and structures upon which the legal system, government, and society as a whole are built.
The word "organic" derives from the Greek word "organikos", meaning "relating to an organ or organization". It entered the English language via the Latin word "organicus", which referred to "a complex structure". Over time, "organic" came to signify things that are natural, living, or derived from living organisms.
The term "law" originates from the Old English word "lagu", which means "a rule or custom". This Old English word is also connected to the German word "Gesetz" and the Danish word "lov". Ultimately, "law" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*legh-", meaning "to lay down or establish".
When combined, "organic law" refers to laws or legal principles that are fundamental and foundational to the organization or structure of a society or system.