National law is the legal system that applies to a particular nation and its citizens. It is different from international law, which applies to relations between two or more nations. In addition, national law differs from state and local laws, which are specific to regions within a nation such as counties or cities.
The national law of a country is usually enforced by the governing body of that nation, such as courts and police departments. National laws may also contain a list of basic rights that every person is entitled to, known as a bill of rights. These rights may be written in the national constitutions or legislation, or they may be common sense. Some countries may also choose to ratify treaties that establish common standards for international trade. The law of a country may also include rules for its public services, such as the right to freedom of religion.
Many nations have a law database, where their national law is available online. This law is typically published in the national language(s). It is sometimes translated into English, and European legal databases such as N-Lex link most of these national legal systems. N-Lex allows you to search the national law of most EU Member States. This includes both enacted legislation and unwritten law, as well as treaties. It does not, however, cover all acts of the national legislatures or the legal systems of all member nations.