What is the main difference between laws and rules?

The main difference between laws and rules is that laws are formal legal standards established by governing bodies, which can include both state and federal legislatures. These laws are enacted to regulate behavior and ensure order within society, covering a wide range of areas such as criminal justice, business practices, and personal conduct.

In contrast, rules are generally more specific guidelines or principles created within the framework of the laws, often by regulatory agencies or organizations. They help implement and clarify the laws but do not hold the same legal weight. While rules can affect how laws are applied, they are not laws in themselves and can be modified without the formal legislative process.

This distinction highlights the foundational role that legislatures play in creating laws that govern society, while rules act as the operational details that help enforce those laws.