Usury refers to the practice of lending money at excessively high-interest rates, often considered exploitative. Historically, many cultures and religions, including Christianity and Islam, have condemned usury, viewing it as unethical. Laws regulating interest rates have been established in various countries to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. In modern finance, usury laws set maximum interest rates that lenders can charge. These laws aim to prevent financial institutions from taking advantage of vulnerable individuals. While the definition of usury can vary by jurisdiction, the core principle remains the same: protecting consumers from unfair lending practices.