substantive law

substantive law definition - legal

n

The law that governs the merits of a matter or transaction, as opposed to procedural law; for instance, laws relating to manslaughter are “substantive,” while laws pertaining to speedy trial, use of confessions, etc., are procedural.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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