[header] How to know the difference between soft law and hard law (international law ) [title] Identify the type of document or agreement. [step] One simplistic distinction between soft law and hard law states that hard law is legally binding, while soft law is not. This distinction can lead scholars into a semantic debate over whether any agreement that isn't legally binding can rightfully be called a law. 
Nonetheless, some types of agreements are automatically considered hard law. [substeps] Treaties are a prime example of an agreement traditionally considered hard law by default.