The Threefold Use of the Law

The Threefold Use of the Law (triplex usus legis)

1. The Civil Use (usus civilis, usus politicus)—the law is given to restrain sin = the Preparative use
2. The Pedagogical Use (usus paedagogicus, usus elenchticus)—the law is given to convict of sin = the Preservative use
3. The Normative Use (usus normativus, usus didacticus)—the law serves a rule of conduct = the Restorative use