Any society, be it a family, a school, a workplace or a nation operates in harmony as a result of people adhering to some rules.
These rules form our conduct, assist in preserving order and uphold the rights and security of other people. Although we tend
to use the terminology rules and laws interchangeably to show that they imply the same thing, they differ significantly.
It is imperative to understand the difference so as to produce responsible citizens, establish equal institutions and
understand the workings of society.
In this blog, we explore what a rule is, what a law is, the difference between the two, the reason why they exist and
why both are essential in a functioning society.
What is a rule?
A rule is a guideline that is developed by smaller groups or communities in order to guide behaviour within a certain
environment. Rules are not universal. They are instead applicable to the group members who made them.
Rules can be set by:
- Families
- Schools
- Clubs and societies
- Sports teams
- Workplaces
- Religious or cultural societies.
- Private organizations
Does New Jersey allow it?
Rules are usually flexible. They can be easily altered, removed, or revised by the instance that made them when the
situation alters. The penalties of violation of rules are usually light since they are internal. These can be a warning,
withholding of privileges temporarily, group penalty or organizational discipline.
Rules aid in the teaching of responsibility and respect more so to children. They tend to be a preliminary step in
making the youth realize the impact of their behavior on others. Children learn rules in homes and schools as sources
- such as Britannica for Kids stress that rules assist in learning what is expected of them and how to act safely
and respectfully.
What is a law?
A law refers to a formal, official regulation that has been made by a governmental authority. The laws apply to
every individual in a country, state or jurisdiction irrespective of age, group belonging or even in any organization.
Laws are developed in a normal way via the law-making or the governmental procedures. For example:
- New laws are discussed and are enacted by a parliament or a congress.
- Rules can be issued by governmental authorities or authorities.
- Laws are interpreted by the courts and are at times established as legal precedents.
Laws are not limited to rules, and unlike the rules, they apply to everybody. They safeguard essential rights, create
obligations, generate order, and give a description of penalties of misconduct.
Among others, the laws encompass:
- Criminal behaviour
- Traffic regulations
- Property and contract problems.
- Safety and health standards
- Human rights and equality
- Consumer protection
The laws are to be obeyed by all citizens and the state law enforcement agencies such as the government police, courts
and the court system. Breach of a law may lead to fines, penalty or community service and even imprisonment depending on
the severity of the law.
Rules also are less strict and more relaxed in comparison to laws. Amending a law is not an easy process that can be
achieved without proper procedures, consultations, debates and ratification by the elected officials. It is a process
that is not done lightly since laws should be just, uniform and universal.
Key differences between rules and laws
As much as both rules and laws help to govern our behaviour, there are some fundamental differences between the two.
Who Creates Them
Smaller groups, such as in a classroom, a team, a workplace, or a family, make rules. On the contrary, laws are
formulated by governments by explicit legislative procedures.
Who Must Follow Them
Regulations are enforced on members belonging to a particular group. Without belonging to the group, the rule
does not concern you. The laws are applicable to each and every one of the parties present in a jurisdiction
in terms of citizens, residents and visitors.
Their Scope and Purpose
Local everyday behaviour is governed by rules. They are both practical and flexible and specific to a
given situation. Laws are made to make things just, secure rights, order in a society and produce a just
society. They establish universal norms of behaviour.
How They Are Enforced
The rules are applied internally by the same individuals who made them like a teacher, parents, coaches
or managers. The enforcement of the law is done through the assistance of authority figures like police
officers, judges and government agencies.
Punishments of their Breaking
Violation of a rule could attract a warning or loss of privilege or suspension. Violation of a law may
cause severe legal repercussions such as fines, penalties or even imprisonment.
Why we need rules
Regulations are critical in small communities or certain settings. They help:
- Show children proper and decent behaviour.
- Keep schools and work places in order.
- Team work and equal opportunities in sport.
- Offer discipline and order within households.
- Provide safety in organizations.
Since rules take care of the needs of specific groups, they can be modified easily when such needs are altered.
As an illustration, a school may adjust its regulations due to emerging technology like policies which require
mobile phone usage. An organization may alter its safety regulations depending on new equipment or new standards.
Why we need laws
Rules only apply in a restricted context and legal regulations are needed when it comes to the operation on a
peaceful and just society. They have a number of vital functions:
Protecting Rights
Freedom of expression, equality and personal safety are some of the basic human rights that are guaranteed by laws.
Maintaining Order
In the absence of laws, society will have no framework of conflict resolution or conflict management. Laws secure
the security in the open areas, safeguard your zone, and make all individuals to be fairly treated.
Promoting Justice
Legislation provides equitable punishments on acts. They ensure that individuals are not left to administer justice
on their own and offer an acceptable system of dealing with injustice.
Ensuring Consistency
Clarity and predictability are brought about by laws. Society is stable as people understand what is right and what is not.
How rules and laws work together
Rules and laws usually complement one another although they are different. For example:
- Safe working environments may be enforced by national legislation. To that end, a company develops
in-house safety regulations as a reaction to such a legal obligation.
- Schools can adhere to the laws and regulations of child protection, and create their own rules to guarantee
the safety of students.
- Traffic legislation ensures the safety of the roads, and other rules may be developed in cycling clubs or schools
to regulate safe group riding.
Rules assist an organization to understand and execute the larger principles which are set by the laws.
Conclusion
Both rules and laws play a critical role in making the society safe, respectable and orderly. Whereas rules
dictate behaviour among particular groups and may be adaptable, laws regulate the society in general and have
formal and enforceable implications. The knowledge of the difference assists people in realizing their duties,
being respectful to authority and valuing the system that ensures the rights and safety of all people.
