| Law is rules given by a law-giver, but the law-giver can be theological (God) or figurative (“nature,” “society,” “custom,” “convention,” etc.). Laws are not confined to rules enforced or authorized by government (a notion itself figurative, in a way), but also may be informal, customary, and moral. Every rule is subject to judgment based on higher rules, and each level of rules may be denominated “law.” | (1) Some writers wish to confine “law” to governmental legal rules; legal positivism. (2) Some writers emphasize government law as the means or expression of societal purpose, organization, or solidarity. |
