CBSE Textbook: Classification of Laws | Legal Studies for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
 
Classification of Laws
Contents
I. Classification of law based on Subject Matter
II. Classification of law based on Scope of Law
III. Classification of law based on Jurisdiction
IV. Exercises 
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this chapter, the students will be able to:
• Classify the various branches of law
• Summarise the purpose behind classification of law
• Compare International Law and Municipal Law
• Compare Public and Private International Law
• Compare Public and Private Municipal law
• Identify the sub types of each branch
• Analyse the difference between civil and criminal law
• Differentiate between substantive and procedural laws
The classification of law is important for the correct and comprehensive understanding of law. The 
following are the benefits of classifying law:
i. Useful in understanding the interrelation of rules
ii. Useful in the systematic arrangements of rules
iii. Useful for the profession and students of law
There are several ways of classifying law and the idea of classification of law is not new. Even in 
ancient civilizations, the jurists were well aware of the difference between civil and criminal laws. 
However, with the passage of time, many new branches have come into existence and therefore, the 
old classification has become outdated. Law can be classified in many ways with respect to time and 
place.
CHAPTER
2
Page 2


UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
 
Classification of Laws
Contents
I. Classification of law based on Subject Matter
II. Classification of law based on Scope of Law
III. Classification of law based on Jurisdiction
IV. Exercises 
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this chapter, the students will be able to:
• Classify the various branches of law
• Summarise the purpose behind classification of law
• Compare International Law and Municipal Law
• Compare Public and Private International Law
• Compare Public and Private Municipal law
• Identify the sub types of each branch
• Analyse the difference between civil and criminal law
• Differentiate between substantive and procedural laws
The classification of law is important for the correct and comprehensive understanding of law. The 
following are the benefits of classifying law:
i. Useful in understanding the interrelation of rules
ii. Useful in the systematic arrangements of rules
iii. Useful for the profession and students of law
There are several ways of classifying law and the idea of classification of law is not new. Even in 
ancient civilizations, the jurists were well aware of the difference between civil and criminal laws. 
However, with the passage of time, many new branches have come into existence and therefore, the 
old classification has become outdated. Law can be classified in many ways with respect to time and 
place.
CHAPTER
2
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
I. Classification of Laws Based on Subject Matter 
Criminal Laws
• Any act which is considered to be an offence/prohibited by the laws in force in India is covered 
under criminal law
• Crimes affect the society as a whole
• In crimes, action is initiated by the state on behalf of the individual
• Remedy- imprisonment or fine or both
• Examples – theft, murder, rape etc.
Civil Laws
• All acts which are not specifically defined as a crime are civil in nature
• Private in nature-affects only an individual and not the society as a whole
• A civil action is initiated by the individual himself/herself
• Remedy- compensation (monetary relief), damages (monetary relief), injunction (court orders 
asking a person to do or not do what he/she is legally obliged to do/not do)
• Examples – property disputes, family matters etc. 
II. Classification based on Scope of Law
Legislative acts are classified as ‘substantive acts,’ on the basis of the subject matter of the law; and 
‘procedural acts’, on the basis of the procedure to be followed by the executive and judiciary in 
implementation of those laws.
Substantive Laws
• Laws which define rights and liabilities of an individual
• Eg- consumer protection act; right to information act, etc.
Laws
Substantive Procedural
Laws
Civil Criminal
Page 3


UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
 
Classification of Laws
Contents
I. Classification of law based on Subject Matter
II. Classification of law based on Scope of Law
III. Classification of law based on Jurisdiction
IV. Exercises 
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this chapter, the students will be able to:
• Classify the various branches of law
• Summarise the purpose behind classification of law
• Compare International Law and Municipal Law
• Compare Public and Private International Law
• Compare Public and Private Municipal law
• Identify the sub types of each branch
• Analyse the difference between civil and criminal law
• Differentiate between substantive and procedural laws
The classification of law is important for the correct and comprehensive understanding of law. The 
following are the benefits of classifying law:
i. Useful in understanding the interrelation of rules
ii. Useful in the systematic arrangements of rules
iii. Useful for the profession and students of law
There are several ways of classifying law and the idea of classification of law is not new. Even in 
ancient civilizations, the jurists were well aware of the difference between civil and criminal laws. 
However, with the passage of time, many new branches have come into existence and therefore, the 
old classification has become outdated. Law can be classified in many ways with respect to time and 
place.
CHAPTER
2
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
I. Classification of Laws Based on Subject Matter 
Criminal Laws
• Any act which is considered to be an offence/prohibited by the laws in force in India is covered 
under criminal law
• Crimes affect the society as a whole
• In crimes, action is initiated by the state on behalf of the individual
• Remedy- imprisonment or fine or both
• Examples – theft, murder, rape etc.
Civil Laws
• All acts which are not specifically defined as a crime are civil in nature
• Private in nature-affects only an individual and not the society as a whole
• A civil action is initiated by the individual himself/herself
• Remedy- compensation (monetary relief), damages (monetary relief), injunction (court orders 
asking a person to do or not do what he/she is legally obliged to do/not do)
• Examples – property disputes, family matters etc. 
II. Classification based on Scope of Law
Legislative acts are classified as ‘substantive acts,’ on the basis of the subject matter of the law; and 
‘procedural acts’, on the basis of the procedure to be followed by the executive and judiciary in 
implementation of those laws.
Substantive Laws
• Laws which define rights and liabilities of an individual
• Eg- consumer protection act; right to information act, etc.
Laws
Substantive Procedural
Laws
Civil Criminal
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
80
Procedural Laws
• Laws which define the procedures and protocols for enforcing substantive law or filing a case
• Eg - code of civil procedure for civil cases
• Eg - code of criminal procedure for criminal cases
Amending Acts modify/ amend the existing laws on the statute book, taking into account the changing 
social, political and economic conditions of the country.
III. Classification based on Jurisdiction
A. International Law
International law is an important branch of law. It deals with those rules and regulations of nation 
which are recognized and are binding upon each other through reciprocity. Many jurist however, do 
not give much importance to this branch. In recent times, this branch of law has grown manifold and 
has acquired increasing importance on account of globalization and other related factors. 
International law has been further classified as follows:
i. Public International Law
 This branch of law relates to the body of rules and regulations which governs the relationship 
between nations. Countries mutually recognise these sets of rules which are binding on them in 
their transactions on a reciprocal basis.
ii. Private International Law
 Private international law is that part of law of the State, which deals with cases having a foreign 
element. Private international law relates to the rights of private citizens of different countries. 
Marriages and adoption of individuals fall within its domain.
International Laws
Public International 
Law
Private International  
Law
Municipal Law
Public Municipal 
Law
Private Municipal  
Law
Page 4


UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
 
Classification of Laws
Contents
I. Classification of law based on Subject Matter
II. Classification of law based on Scope of Law
III. Classification of law based on Jurisdiction
IV. Exercises 
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this chapter, the students will be able to:
• Classify the various branches of law
• Summarise the purpose behind classification of law
• Compare International Law and Municipal Law
• Compare Public and Private International Law
• Compare Public and Private Municipal law
• Identify the sub types of each branch
• Analyse the difference between civil and criminal law
• Differentiate between substantive and procedural laws
The classification of law is important for the correct and comprehensive understanding of law. The 
following are the benefits of classifying law:
i. Useful in understanding the interrelation of rules
ii. Useful in the systematic arrangements of rules
iii. Useful for the profession and students of law
There are several ways of classifying law and the idea of classification of law is not new. Even in 
ancient civilizations, the jurists were well aware of the difference between civil and criminal laws. 
However, with the passage of time, many new branches have come into existence and therefore, the 
old classification has become outdated. Law can be classified in many ways with respect to time and 
place.
CHAPTER
2
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
I. Classification of Laws Based on Subject Matter 
Criminal Laws
• Any act which is considered to be an offence/prohibited by the laws in force in India is covered 
under criminal law
• Crimes affect the society as a whole
• In crimes, action is initiated by the state on behalf of the individual
• Remedy- imprisonment or fine or both
• Examples – theft, murder, rape etc.
Civil Laws
• All acts which are not specifically defined as a crime are civil in nature
• Private in nature-affects only an individual and not the society as a whole
• A civil action is initiated by the individual himself/herself
• Remedy- compensation (monetary relief), damages (monetary relief), injunction (court orders 
asking a person to do or not do what he/she is legally obliged to do/not do)
• Examples – property disputes, family matters etc. 
II. Classification based on Scope of Law
Legislative acts are classified as ‘substantive acts,’ on the basis of the subject matter of the law; and 
‘procedural acts’, on the basis of the procedure to be followed by the executive and judiciary in 
implementation of those laws.
Substantive Laws
• Laws which define rights and liabilities of an individual
• Eg- consumer protection act; right to information act, etc.
Laws
Substantive Procedural
Laws
Civil Criminal
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
80
Procedural Laws
• Laws which define the procedures and protocols for enforcing substantive law or filing a case
• Eg - code of civil procedure for civil cases
• Eg - code of criminal procedure for criminal cases
Amending Acts modify/ amend the existing laws on the statute book, taking into account the changing 
social, political and economic conditions of the country.
III. Classification based on Jurisdiction
A. International Law
International law is an important branch of law. It deals with those rules and regulations of nation 
which are recognized and are binding upon each other through reciprocity. Many jurist however, do 
not give much importance to this branch. In recent times, this branch of law has grown manifold and 
has acquired increasing importance on account of globalization and other related factors. 
International law has been further classified as follows:
i. Public International Law
 This branch of law relates to the body of rules and regulations which governs the relationship 
between nations. Countries mutually recognise these sets of rules which are binding on them in 
their transactions on a reciprocal basis.
ii. Private International Law
 Private international law is that part of law of the State, which deals with cases having a foreign 
element. Private international law relates to the rights of private citizens of different countries. 
Marriages and adoption of individuals fall within its domain.
International Laws
Public International 
Law
Private International  
Law
Municipal Law
Public Municipal 
Law
Private Municipal  
Law
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UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
81
B. Municipal Law 
Municipal laws are basically domestic or national laws. They regulate the relationship between the 
State and its citizen and determines the relationship among citizens. Municipal law can be further 
classified into two segments:
i. Public Law
 Public law chiefly regulates the relationship between the State and its’ subjects. It also provides 
the structure and functioning of the organs of States. The three important branches of Public Law 
are the following:
 a. Constitutional Law : Constitutional law is considered to be the basic as well as the supreme 
law of the country. The nature of any State is basically determined by its Constitution. It also 
provides the structure of the government. All the organs of states derive their powers from 
the Constitution. Some countries, such as India, have a written Constitution, while countries 
such as the United Kingdom have an ‘uncodified Constitution’. In India, the fundamental 
rights are granted and protected under the Constitution.
 b. Administrative Law : Administrative law mainly deals with the powers and functions of 
administrative authorities - government departments, authorities, bodies etc. It deals with 
the extent of powers held by the administrative bodies and the mechanism whereby their 
actions can be controlled. It also provides for legal remedies in case of any violation of the 
rights of the people.
 c. Criminal Law : Criminal law generally deals with acts which are prohibited by law and 
defines the prohibited act as an offence. It also prescribes punishments for criminal offences. 
Criminal law is very important for maintaining order in the society, and for maintaining 
peace. It is considered a part of public law, as crime is not only against the individual but 
against the whole society. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (also known as IPC) is an example of 
a criminal law legislation, in which different kinds of offences are defined and punishments 
prescribed.
ii. Private Law
 This branch of law defines, regulates, governs and enforces relationships between individuals 
and associations and corporations. In other words, this branch of law deals with the definition, 
regulation and enforcement of mutual rights and duties of individuals. The state intervenes 
through its judicial organs (e.g. courts) to settle the dispute between the parties. Private or Civil 
law confers civil rights which are administered and adjudicated by civil courts. Much of the life of 
a society is regulated by this set of private laws or civil rights. This branch of law can be further 
classified into the following:
 a. Personal Law : It is a branch of law related to marriage, divorce and succession (inheritance). 
These laws are based on religion, ritual and customs of marriage, divorce, and inheritance. In 
such matters, people are mostly governed by the Personal laws laid down by their religions. 
For example, the marriage of Hindus is governed by Personal laws like the Hindu Marriage 
Act, 1955 while Muslim marriages are governed by the Muslim personal law based on a 
Muslim customary law which is largely un-codified.
 b. Property Law : This branch of law deals with the ownership of immovable and movable 
properties. For example, the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, deals with transfer of immovable 
property, whereas the Sales of Goods Act, 1930, deals with movable property.
 c. Law of Obligations : This branch of the law pertains to an area where a person is required 
Page 5


UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
 
Classification of Laws
Contents
I. Classification of law based on Subject Matter
II. Classification of law based on Scope of Law
III. Classification of law based on Jurisdiction
IV. Exercises 
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this chapter, the students will be able to:
• Classify the various branches of law
• Summarise the purpose behind classification of law
• Compare International Law and Municipal Law
• Compare Public and Private International Law
• Compare Public and Private Municipal law
• Identify the sub types of each branch
• Analyse the difference between civil and criminal law
• Differentiate between substantive and procedural laws
The classification of law is important for the correct and comprehensive understanding of law. The 
following are the benefits of classifying law:
i. Useful in understanding the interrelation of rules
ii. Useful in the systematic arrangements of rules
iii. Useful for the profession and students of law
There are several ways of classifying law and the idea of classification of law is not new. Even in 
ancient civilizations, the jurists were well aware of the difference between civil and criminal laws. 
However, with the passage of time, many new branches have come into existence and therefore, the 
old classification has become outdated. Law can be classified in many ways with respect to time and 
place.
CHAPTER
2
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
I. Classification of Laws Based on Subject Matter 
Criminal Laws
• Any act which is considered to be an offence/prohibited by the laws in force in India is covered 
under criminal law
• Crimes affect the society as a whole
• In crimes, action is initiated by the state on behalf of the individual
• Remedy- imprisonment or fine or both
• Examples – theft, murder, rape etc.
Civil Laws
• All acts which are not specifically defined as a crime are civil in nature
• Private in nature-affects only an individual and not the society as a whole
• A civil action is initiated by the individual himself/herself
• Remedy- compensation (monetary relief), damages (monetary relief), injunction (court orders 
asking a person to do or not do what he/she is legally obliged to do/not do)
• Examples – property disputes, family matters etc. 
II. Classification based on Scope of Law
Legislative acts are classified as ‘substantive acts,’ on the basis of the subject matter of the law; and 
‘procedural acts’, on the basis of the procedure to be followed by the executive and judiciary in 
implementation of those laws.
Substantive Laws
• Laws which define rights and liabilities of an individual
• Eg- consumer protection act; right to information act, etc.
Laws
Substantive Procedural
Laws
Civil Criminal
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
80
Procedural Laws
• Laws which define the procedures and protocols for enforcing substantive law or filing a case
• Eg - code of civil procedure for civil cases
• Eg - code of criminal procedure for criminal cases
Amending Acts modify/ amend the existing laws on the statute book, taking into account the changing 
social, political and economic conditions of the country.
III. Classification based on Jurisdiction
A. International Law
International law is an important branch of law. It deals with those rules and regulations of nation 
which are recognized and are binding upon each other through reciprocity. Many jurist however, do 
not give much importance to this branch. In recent times, this branch of law has grown manifold and 
has acquired increasing importance on account of globalization and other related factors. 
International law has been further classified as follows:
i. Public International Law
 This branch of law relates to the body of rules and regulations which governs the relationship 
between nations. Countries mutually recognise these sets of rules which are binding on them in 
their transactions on a reciprocal basis.
ii. Private International Law
 Private international law is that part of law of the State, which deals with cases having a foreign 
element. Private international law relates to the rights of private citizens of different countries. 
Marriages and adoption of individuals fall within its domain.
International Laws
Public International 
Law
Private International  
Law
Municipal Law
Public Municipal 
Law
Private Municipal  
Law
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
81
B. Municipal Law 
Municipal laws are basically domestic or national laws. They regulate the relationship between the 
State and its citizen and determines the relationship among citizens. Municipal law can be further 
classified into two segments:
i. Public Law
 Public law chiefly regulates the relationship between the State and its’ subjects. It also provides 
the structure and functioning of the organs of States. The three important branches of Public Law 
are the following:
 a. Constitutional Law : Constitutional law is considered to be the basic as well as the supreme 
law of the country. The nature of any State is basically determined by its Constitution. It also 
provides the structure of the government. All the organs of states derive their powers from 
the Constitution. Some countries, such as India, have a written Constitution, while countries 
such as the United Kingdom have an ‘uncodified Constitution’. In India, the fundamental 
rights are granted and protected under the Constitution.
 b. Administrative Law : Administrative law mainly deals with the powers and functions of 
administrative authorities - government departments, authorities, bodies etc. It deals with 
the extent of powers held by the administrative bodies and the mechanism whereby their 
actions can be controlled. It also provides for legal remedies in case of any violation of the 
rights of the people.
 c. Criminal Law : Criminal law generally deals with acts which are prohibited by law and 
defines the prohibited act as an offence. It also prescribes punishments for criminal offences. 
Criminal law is very important for maintaining order in the society, and for maintaining 
peace. It is considered a part of public law, as crime is not only against the individual but 
against the whole society. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (also known as IPC) is an example of 
a criminal law legislation, in which different kinds of offences are defined and punishments 
prescribed.
ii. Private Law
 This branch of law defines, regulates, governs and enforces relationships between individuals 
and associations and corporations. In other words, this branch of law deals with the definition, 
regulation and enforcement of mutual rights and duties of individuals. The state intervenes 
through its judicial organs (e.g. courts) to settle the dispute between the parties. Private or Civil 
law confers civil rights which are administered and adjudicated by civil courts. Much of the life of 
a society is regulated by this set of private laws or civil rights. This branch of law can be further 
classified into the following:
 a. Personal Law : It is a branch of law related to marriage, divorce and succession (inheritance). 
These laws are based on religion, ritual and customs of marriage, divorce, and inheritance. In 
such matters, people are mostly governed by the Personal laws laid down by their religions. 
For example, the marriage of Hindus is governed by Personal laws like the Hindu Marriage 
Act, 1955 while Muslim marriages are governed by the Muslim personal law based on a 
Muslim customary law which is largely un-codified.
 b. Property Law : This branch of law deals with the ownership of immovable and movable 
properties. For example, the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, deals with transfer of immovable 
property, whereas the Sales of Goods Act, 1930, deals with movable property.
 c. Law of Obligations : This branch of the law pertains to an area where a person is required 
UNIT I UNIT II
UNIT III
UNIT IV UNIT V
82
to do something because of his promise, contract or law. It puts an obligation on the person 
to perform certain actions which generally arise as a consequence of an enforceable promise 
or agreement. If someone violates his promise, that promise may be enforced in a court of 
law. 
  According to the Indian Contract Act, 1872, a contract is an agreement which is 
enforceable by law. In other words a contact is an agreement with specific terms between 
two or more persons in which there is a promise to do something in lieu of a valuable profit 
which is known as consideration. For example,’A’ has offered his mobile phone to ‘B’ for 
Rs.15,000. ‘B’ agreed to purchase the same. This has created a legal relationship where both 
have made a promise which is enforceable by law.
 d. Law of Torts: Tort is a civil wrong. This branch of law creates and provides remedies for 
civil wrongs that do not arise out of contractual duties. A tort deals with negligence cases as 
well as intentional wrongs which cause harm. An aggrieved person may use law of tort to 
claim damages from someone who has caused the wrong or legal injury to him/ her. Torts 
cover intentional acts and accidents.
  For instance, if ‘A ’ throws a stone and it hits another person namely ‘B’ on the head, ‘B’ may 
sue ‘A” for the injury caused by the accident.
IV. Exercises
Based on your understanding, answer the following questions:
Q-1 Provide brief answers for the following-
 1. Why is classification of law important? What are its benefits?
 2. What is International Law? Explain the two types of International Law.
 3. Differentiate between International and Municipal Law. 
 4. What is a contract? 
 5. Discuss the different types of Public and Private Municipal Laws.
Q-2 Identify the branch of law and define-
 1. Antilla and Portico are two countries who have a border dispute.
 2. Shefali was aggrieved because her passport was refused by the Passport Department without 
any reason.
 3. Gita died intestate and her kids don’t know how to divide the property.
 4.  Ajit was in an agreement to supply 50 kgs of rice to Bittu but did not do so.
Q-3 Sheena was a victim of sexual harassment at workplace. Explain why her criminal case is a part 
of public municipal law.
Q-4 Halestina and Xina, two Countries are bound by some laws which foster their relations by 
following some rules based on reciprocity. Identify the branch of law and explain its two sub 
types.
Q-5 The Government of India introduced a new law whereby the passport of any person could be 
revoked on mere suspicion of fraudulent financial transactions without providing a chance of 
hearing. Identify and define the branch of law under which such a law can be challenged.