I know this question title is awkward, so let me explain by example:

> The word "law" means different things in different contexts. You have
> the "*laws* of science" (e.g. the law of energy conservation) versus the "*laws* of __" (e.g. shoplifting is against the law).

I have trouble filling in the blank. *States*? *Nations*? *Jurisdictions*? Am I on the right track at all by thinking about governmental jargon?