What type of law is characterized by defining, describing, regulating, and creating legal rights and obligations?

Substantive law is the branch of law that defines and regulates the rights and obligations of individuals and entities. It encompasses laws that determine what acts are legal or illegal, rights and duties, and the legal framework through which parties can resolve their disputes. Substantive law gives meaning to the legal rights and duties established by the legal system, for example, through criminal laws that prohibit certain actions or contract laws that establish the rights and obligations of parties to an agreement.

In contrast, procedural law focuses on the rules and processes through which courts operate and enforce substantive laws, detailing how a legal case will unfold, including the steps for litigation, the collection of evidence, and the manner in which appeals may be made. Administrative law deals specifically with the rules and regulations created by administrative agencies, while constitutional law pertains to the interpretation and application of the Constitution. Each of these areas has distinct functions that support the legal system in its entirety, but substantive law directly addresses the substance of legal rights and duties, making it the correct choice in this context.