method, law, rule, principle, model, system
法 centers on an established way of doing things: a method, rule, or law that serves as a model or system.
method; way; manner; process; procedure; means; measure
law; act; principle
magic; witchcraft; sorcery; spell
law; legislation; act
corporation; corporate body; company; legal entity; legal person; juridical person
constitution
technique; method
illegal; illicit; unlawful
administration of justice; judicature
law; rule
(method of) treatment; therapy; remedy; cure
legal
bill (law); measure
legal; lawful; legitimate
unlawful; illegal
court (of law); courtroom
grammar
statute; law; act; ordinance; regulation
technique
legislation; laws
business practice; business method; commerce
judicial affairs
(enactment of) legislation; lawmaking
measurement; size; extent; dimension
法 combines 氵 (water) with 去 (to go away). The traditional explanation is that water always finds a level, and going away from what is crooked leads to a model of fairness and law.
Water 氵 flows away 去 from uneven ground, always seeking a level path. This natural principle becomes a model for fair rules and methods.
For ホウ, imagine a judge's gavel going 'hou!' as it strikes, declaring the law: hou -> ホウ, and the water-like fairness of the law is upheld.