法律

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 法律 (ほうりつ) is a noun for a law established within a state or society.
• Basic usage: It appears when examining a law's relationship to a system or speaking of obeying the law.
  • 新しい制度と法律の関係を授業で調べた。 — In class, we studied the relationship between the new system and the law.
  • 法律を守るだけでなく相手への配慮も必要だ。 — Following the law is not enough; consideration for others is also necessary.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Law and rule
  • 法律 refers to law in a legal system, while 規則 can also cover rules established within an organization or place.