The spelling of the phrase "written law" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "written," is pronounced /ˈrɪtən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The second word, "law," is pronounced /lɔː/, with a long "o" sound and no stress on any syllable. This phrase refers to laws that are codified and recorded in written form, as opposed to unwritten, customary law. Written law provides stability and predictability in legal systems, and is a crucial aspect of modern societies.
Written law refers to a set of legal rules and regulations that have been formally enacted and documented by a competent authority. This form of law is often known as statutory law or legislation and is distinguished from other sources of law, such as customary law or case law. Written law is typically codified in the form of statutes, codes, regulations, or constitutions, which establish the rights, duties, and obligations of individuals, as well as the procedures and mechanisms for their enforcement.
The main characteristic of written law is its comprehensive and authoritative nature. It is developed by legislative bodies at different levels of government, such as parliaments or congresses, and undergoes a rigorous process of drafting, debating, and formal approval. Written law encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including criminal, civil, administrative, and constitutional matters.
Written law provides certainty and stability in legal systems, as it is generally accessible and available to the public. It ensures uniformity and consistency in the application and interpretation of laws across jurisdictions. Violations and breaches of written law can result in legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or civil remedies. This form of law safeguards individual rights and interests, acts as a tool to maintain social order, and serves as a basis for resolving disputes in court.
In summary, written law represents a codified system of legal rules and regulations that have been officially written and passed by a legislative body. It serves as a primary source of law in modern societies, providing clarity, consistency, and predictability in the legal framework.
The term "written law" is a compound noun consisting of two words: "written" and "law".
The word "written" originated from the Old English word "writen", which is the past participle of the verb "wrītan", meaning "to write". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "writaną".
The word "law" has a much older history, derived from various sources. It comes from the Old English word "lagu", which referred to "a rule or directive concerned with behavior or a specific action". The Old English word "lagu" shares a common Germanic root with "law", such as the Old High German word "laga" and Old Norse word "lag".
Therefore, the term "written law" essentially refers to rules or regulations that have been recorded or expressed through written means.