Legal Definitions - formal law

Definition: Formal law, also known as procedural law, refers to the set of rules and regulations that govern the process of enforcing legal rights and obligations. It outlines the steps that must be followed in order to resolve a legal dispute or bring a case to court.

For example, in criminal law, formal law dictates the procedures that must be followed during a trial, such as the rules of evidence and the rights of the accused. In civil law, formal law governs the process of filing a lawsuit, serving legal papers, and conducting discovery.

Overall, formal law ensures that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and consistently, and that all parties involved are given a fair chance to present their case and defend their rights.