We explain the difference 
between rules and laws with table. We live in a world that is home to more than 700 million people. Among these 700 million rupees, there are different countries, states, religions, cultures, languages, races, and various other characteristics that work together.
And to live in a world that has diversity in all its corners, there must be mutual respect and harmony between people. There must be a peaceful and respectful relationship between the population to achieve the level of harmony in the world.
And for people to live together in this world in harmony, there must be certain rules and laws that regulate and justify proper behavior and functioning. But, the words “rules” and “laws” are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different in several respects.
Both are terms that fall within the legal branch of studies. Both “rules” and “laws” help the proper functioning of a country.
But the difference between ‘Rules’ and ‘Laws’ is the consequence of breaking them. While breaking a rule can have minor consequences, breaking the law can have serious consequences.
Comparison table between rules and laws
Comparison Rules Laws Parameter
| Sense | A rule is a set of guidelines to regulate a practice or procedure of any activity. | A law is a system of rules that help govern the members or citizens of a country or community. |
| Applicability | The rules are applicable to any type of society, institution, association or any activity. | Laws are generally applicable to an entire country or community. |
| Creation | The rules can be made by a secretary of the association, director of an educational institution, etc. | Laws can only be enacted by the Legislature of India (or any other legislative body in your respective country) |
| Consequence | Breaking the rules can often have minor consequences like paying an amount like fine, suspension, etc. | Failure to comply with the law can have severe and serious consequences, such as imprisonment. |
What are the rules?
Certain guidelines must be established for a population of more than 700 million people to coexist in harmony.
The rules help any group of people or any institution to function at ease. A rule can be placed at a lower level than a law. It acts as a set of guidelines that help regulate behavior and functioning. The rules can be created by the main figure of any institution, society, association or simply a group of people.
And breaking the rules leads to punishment at a much lighter level. To clarify the concept of ‘rules’, here is a detailed example: –
Consider a school or any academic institution. You are required to have a set of rules to maintain order in the school and function properly. In any institution there will always be an authority figure, leader or a person who heads the group of people within the institution.
This person has the power and the right to create rules for the institution. According to the example, this person is the director or director. He or she creates “rules” for school improvement.
Certain rules that are frequently found in academic institutions are: –
- Mobile phones or any other electronic device are not allowed.
- Students are expected to follow the decorum of the institution.
- Wear a uniform every day.
- It is mandatory to adhere to the dress code indicated by the school or university.
- Students must arrive on the premises before 8:45 am.
These are some rules that are common in various institutions.
Similarly, if you replace the academic institution with any other association or society; and the director with a secretary, president or president, can find several other rules specific to the people and the purpose of the group.
And, in case of violation of any rule, there will also be punishments of different kinds, depending on the rule that was broken.
For example, violation of any rule in an academic institution will likely result in the payment of an amount such as a fine, the granting of duties such as responsibilities, or, in extreme cases, suspension or justification.
What are the laws?
Like any institution or society, it requires rules to maintain order, the peaceful existence and the functioning of a country or nation is based on laws.
Laws facilitate the process of running a government and maintaining order and peace in a country. A law is a system of rules that help govern the citizens of a nation.
Laws can only be created by the legislative body of a country. Laws are made in stages. A bill is first presented in both houses of Parliament. Once the bill is approved by both houses, it reaches the president.
If the president accepts and signs the bill, it becomes law. Violation of any law leads to strict punishment.
For example, consider the country India. In India, the legislative body that implements laws is Parliament.
Parliament implements the laws through the process mentioned above. And with the help of the laws, it ensures that the laws are followed and not violated. In case of violation of any law, the punishment is severe and varies according to the countries and their system of government.
The consequences of breaking a law often include fines, compensation, prison terms including life imprisonment, releases, etc.
Some examples of laws are:
- Marriage laws
- Citizenship laws
- Laws of the land
Main differences between Rules and laws
- The main difference between the concepts ‘rules’ and ‘laws’ is the consequence of their violation. Violation of the rules often has mild consequences, while violation of the laws leads to stricter punishments.
- A rule is a set of guidelines that help maintain order and regulate a practice. But a law is a system of rules that help govern a country.
- A rule is made by a person who leads an association or group of people. But a law is made by the legislative body of a country.
- While the rules apply to members of a group of people, the laws apply to all citizens of a country or nation.
- While adhering to a dress code is a rule, following citizenship laws to obtain citizenship is a law.
Final Thought
Both ‘rules’ and ‘laws’ are quite similar concepts in terms of the purposes that they follow.
They are implemented and enforced to ensure order, peace and harmony among people. Norms and laws are required to ensure that people’s rights and freedoms are not violated.
They help in the coexistence of a diverse population. While breaking a law may have minor consequences, breaking a law carries a strict punishment.
