Soft law

Non-binding rules or guidelines—such as codes of conduct and supervisory guidelines—that do not constitute law but nonetheless shape practice. They are binding only insofar as a statute contains open norms and the courts have chosen to give substance to those norms by reference to the relevant soft law. The situation differs in Anglo-American law, where there is less strict adherence to the principle of legality and soft law is more likely to have binding force.

Questions about what this term means for your organisation? Contact Mr. Dr. Vlieger.