What does positive law consist of?

Positive law primarily consists of commands issued by government institutions, which are enforced through legal mechanisms. This body of law is characterized by its formal, written statutes and regulations that dictate specific behaviors and actions. It represents the legal framework that governs a society at a given time, reflecting the will of the legislative bodies and the authority of the state to enforce compliance.

For example, laws enacted by a legislature mandate particular conduct, such as traffic regulations or criminal statutes, and these laws are backed by the power of government enforcement agencies, including the police and courts. The essence of positive law is that it is man-made, as opposed to being derived from moral principles or societal customs, which are often encompassed in the other options provided. Positive law is concerned with what the law is, not necessarily what it ought to be from a philosophical or moral standpoint.