성문서, or "written law," refers to legal codes that are formally documented and publicly accessible. These laws are established by governing bodies and serve as a foundation for the legal system in a society. They provide clear guidelines for behavior and outline the consequences for violations, ensuring that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities. In many countries, 성문서 is contrasted with 불문법, or "unwritten law," which includes customs and traditions that influence legal practices but are not formally codified. Examples of 성문서 include 헌법 (constitutions), 법률 (statutes), and 조례 (ordinances), all of which play crucial roles in maintaining order and justice within a community.