Positive law

1. ↑ legal positivism. Legal Positivism is a philosophical approach to law that emphasises the distinction between law as it is and law as it should be. Emerging in the 19th century, it focuses on understanding law as a human construct derived from social and political institutions, rather than moral or natural principles. Key theorists such as H.L.A. Hart and Hans Kelsen developed frameworks explaining legal systems as hierarchical normative structures, where legal validity depends on procedural sources rather than inherent moral value. The theory encompasses several streams of thought, including analytical jurisprudence and different positivist approaches ranging from exclusive positivism (law and morality are separate) to inclusive (moral considerations can sometimes inform legal interpretation). Legal positivism challenges traditional theories of natural law by arguing that the legitimacy of law comes from its formal creation and social recognition, not from abstract moral standards.

2. ↑ regulations. Regulations are normative acts issued by the executive branch, characterised by abstraction, generality and imperativeness. They serve to detail higher normative acts and are mainly limited by constitutional and legal frameworks. Classifications include regulatory, delegated, autonomous and independent types, ranging in scope from internal administrative effects to external general effects. They can be spontaneous or provoked, and cover various levels of governmental competence, including federal, state, municipal and territorial. Autonomous regulations directly explain the Constitution and constitute primary normative acts, while independent regulations also interpret constitutional provisions. The principle of legality prevails in contemporary constitutional systems, ensuring that regulations operate within defined legal limits. Academic work by authors such as Francisco, Leal and Velloso has contributed to understanding the complex nature and function of regulatory mechanisms.

3. ↑ jurisdiction. Jurisdiction is the legal authority to administer justice and resolve conflicts, traditionally associated with the judiciary but now encompassing various governmental bodies. It involves principles such as impartiality, inevitability and inertia, with characteristics including mandatory and universal application. Jurisdiction can be voluntary (administrative) or contentious (aimed at social pacification), and is not limited to court proceedings. Alternative methods of conflict resolution such as mediation and arbitration exist alongside court proceedings. The concept is fundamental to civil procedure, involving conditions of action such as legitimate interest and the possibility of redress. Key aspects include the power to determine legal issues, the ability to substitute the will of the parties and providing effective judicial protection as a fundamental right.

4. ↑ Constitution ( Constitution ) Constitutions are fundamental legal documents that define government structures, rights and principles. They can be rigid or flexible, existing at national, regional or local levels, and are created by a sovereign constituent power. Constitutional reforms are typically carried out by a derived constituent power with specific limitations. Key features include protecting fundamental rights, establishing state mechanisms and maintaining legal supremacy. Control mechanisms ensure constitutional compliance through diffuse and concentrated review processes. Most democratic constitutions are developed through constituent assemblies and include provisions that protect core normative elements. International influences, particularly from the American and French revolutions, have shaped modern constitutional theory. Notably, some constitutions such as India's are extensively detailed, with hundreds of articles and amendments. The principle of constitutional unity emphasises the harmonious interpretation of legal principles, resolving potential conflicts through balanced approaches.

5. ↑ law. The law has evolved through complex historical stages, from ancient Egyptian and Sumerian codes to sophisticated Roman legal systems. Ancient civilisations developed organised legal structures, with significant innovations emerging in Greece and Rome. Roman law, strongly influenced by Greek philosophy, was systematically codified and subsequently rediscovered in the 11th century, forming the basis for continental European legal systems. During the Middle Ages, custom and case law replaced rigid Roman codes, with the English royal courts developing common law precedents. Modern legal systems emerged with influential codifications such as the Napoleonic and German civil codes, demonstrating increasing standardisation. Throughout history, law has been closely connected to the development of civilisation, continually adapting to changing social contexts and reflecting national identities through philosophical, cultural and professional influences.

6. ↑ system. A system is a complex arrangement of interconnected components working towards a common goal. Characterised by functional integration and synergy, systems can be physical or conceptual, ranging from biological organisms to organisational structures. Biological systems follow a hierarchical organisation from atomic to cosmic levels, while information systems in computer science focus on algorithmic processes. Systems interact dynamically with their environment through inputs and outputs, maintaining homeostasis through continuous communication between elements. Different types of systems exist across disciplines, including human biological systems such as digestive and nervous systems, and social systems such as economic and legal structures. The core principle underlying all systems is the interdependence of the components, where changes in one part can significantly influence the functionality and performance of the entire system.

7. ↑ State ( State ) A state is a sovereign entity with defined territorial limits, a population and autonomous governance. Originating from the Latin word "status", it emerged from the decline of feudalism and was formally recognised in the Peace of Westphalia of 1648. States exercise sovereign authority through institutions that make and enforce laws, manage economic affairs and provide public services. They can be structured as unitary or federal systems, monarchies or republics, each with distinct organisational characteristics. The main functions include maintaining security, collecting taxes, providing public goods and representing national interests internationally. The concept of the state has been significantly influenced by political philosophers such as Hobbes and Locke and shaped by historical events such as the French Revolution. Its evolution continues in response to global challenges and changing socio-political dynamics.