Law
Written norms and/or rules. And those authorized to decide whether and how to enforce them. (see also Norms)
How We Say It
law
Where It Comes From
Old Norse lagu — something laid down or fixed. From Proto-Germanic *lagam — to lay. Law was literally that which was laid down — settled, fixed, established. Related to lie and lay in English.
How It's Been Used
Rule of law implies law as neutral arbiter above power. Critical legal studies argues law is always an expression of power — who wrote it, who enforces it, and whose behavior it regulates tells the story. Both observations are true simultaneously.