What is Law?

Abstract

You broke the law. There should be a law. Loi du 29 juillet 1881 sur la liberte de la presse. It is the law of God. It is the law of our ancestors. It is a law of nature. It is the second law of thermodynamics. It is the tax code. What is law? What common concept is expressed in the many uses of the word law and its synonyms? What single concept of law is encompassed in its encoding in scientific, judicial, and customary forms? Since understandings of law can be culture specific, what concept of law is common across social systems? This paper will develop a definition of law--and a way to measure the binding power of a law or legal system--that is applicable across forms and civilizations. In developing the definition, the paper will demonstrate that a QBist understanding of quantum mechanics can serve as a Rosetta Stone which allows us to reconcile Western and non-Western scientific systems.Comment: Minor corrections and updates. 16 page