What does substantive law create?

Substantive law is the body of law that defines rights and duties, establishing what behaviors are considered acceptable and unacceptable within a society. It answers questions about what actions are deemed crimes and what the penalties are for those crimes. In essence, substantive law creates legal obligations that individuals must follow, thereby shaping the legal landscape within which people operate.

For instance, laws that define murder, theft, or contract violation are all part of substantive law, as they outline the specific actions that are prohibited and the penalties that accompany those actions. These legal obligations are intrinsic to the functioning of the legal system and ensure that individuals understand what is expected of them legally.

The other choices, while relevant to the broader legal system, do not define what substantive law specifically creates. Procedures for legal enforcement pertain to procedural law, guidelines for criminal defenses involve the legal rights of defendants, and requirements for public hearings relate to administrative or procedural contexts rather than the essence of legal obligations established by substantive law.