Principle of law

For other uses, see Principle (disambiguation).

A principle of law is a codified philosophical ("principle"), which represents the core of a law as found in a constitution, in precedent, or else is interpreted to arise from either or both.

As most legal systems are nationalistic frameworks built upon a small core of legal concepts, jurisdiction and sovereignty often have bearing in making statements of principle. Legal conservatives may tend to be accordingly restricted or "practical" in their concept of a legal principle, while liberals tend to be more inclusive and universalist.