What is described by the term 'law'?

The term 'law' refers specifically to a body of rules that are formal and sanctioned by a controlling authority, which can include government institutions and legal systems. This definition encompasses the structured and codified nature of laws, which are created to regulate behavior, ensure order, protect rights, and delineate obligations within a society.

Laws are distinct from informal rules or social norms, as they are enforceable by the state and come with specific penalties for violations. They reflect the organized efforts to establish regulations that govern conduct in various contexts, including healthcare, business, and personal interactions.

Understanding law as a body of rules prescribed by a controlling authority emphasizes its authoritative and obligatory nature, setting it apart from other concepts like workplace best practices or the subjective values held by society's majority, which do not carry the same legal weight.