# law, principle ## Definition A law is a legal rule that is typically written down and enforced by someone in authority. A principle is a guideline or standard for decision-making. * Both "law" and "principle" can refer to a general rule or belief that guides a person's behavior. * This meaning of "law" is different from the law of Moses. * When a general law is being referred to, "law" could be translated as "principle" or "general rule."