What is the difference between substantive law and procedural law?

Substantive law and procedural law serve different critical roles within the legal system. Substantive law defines the rights and duties of individuals and collective bodies; it outlines what is permissible or impermissible behavior in society and establishes legal standards for determining liability or entitlement. This includes areas such as contracts, torts, criminal law, and property law, where the substance of legal rights and responsibilities is clearly delineated.

On the other hand, procedural law governs the rules and processes that courts and parties must follow to enforce those rights and duties. It encompasses the methods by which substantive law is administered, such as rules for filing lawsuits, conducting trials, and appealing decisions. Procedural law ensures that legal proceedings are carried out fairly and efficiently, providing the framework that operationalizes substantive law.

The other options do not accurately represent the distinction: the first option incorrectly associates substantive law solely with statutes; the second presents an overly simplistic view of substantive law as theoretical; and the fourth mischaracterizes the applicability of these laws, as both substantive and procedural laws are relevant in both civil and criminal contexts.