The principle of the social state is a modern extension of the traditional rule-of-law concept. It obligates the state to protect the weaker members of society and to seek social justice. Numerous laws and court rulings have ensured the application of this principle, which manifests itself in the provision of old-age, invalidity, health and unemployment insurance, social assistance for needy people, housing supplements, the child benefit, and laws on industrial safety and working hours, to name but a few examples.