It is very difficult to define the term law. Many Jurists attempted to define the term law. For the Purpose of clarity, some of the definitions given by Jurists in different Periods are categorized as follows. (I) Idealistic Definitions:- Romans and other ancient Jurists defined law in its idealistic nature. Roman Justinian’s defined law in the light of its idealistic nature. (a) Salmond: – According to salmond “the law may be defined as the body of principles recognized and applied by the state in the administration of Justice.

According to Austin, a law, in the strict sense, is a general command of the sovereign individual or the sovereign body. Issued to those in subjectivity and enforced by the physical power of the state. According to Austin “law is an aggregate of rules set by men politically superior or sovereign to men as politically subject.” Austin says, “A law is command which obliges a person or persons to a course of conduct.