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What are Rules? Do we need rules?Rules are guidelines for appropriate

behaviour.Rules are needed because situations

involving more than one person usually require rules to regulate and control them.

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What are Laws?A law is a rule needed to govern an action; a

rule that is established by government for the members of its society to follow and obey.

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How are Rules and Laws different?A law is not just an ordinary rule. Laws are

mandatory, rules may be optional.

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How are Rules and Laws different?A law, however, is a special kind of rule; it is a

legal rule. Laws apply to all members of society and are

usually made and enforced by the government and supporting agencies.

There is a formal system of procedures for the enforcement of laws. They are generally enforceable in a court, whereas rules are usually not.

If a citizen breaks or violates a law, a system of remedies and punishments is in place to deal with the offender.

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How are Rules and Laws different?Laws are needed in every society or country

to promote and keep order. Without order, anarchy or chaos develops and in the midst of anarchy society falls apart because nothing can be accomplished.

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Are all Laws Rules?Yes.All laws are rules, but all rules are not

necessarily laws.

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz

Read each of the following statements. Is it a rule or a law?

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz1. You don't go to school on Labour Day.

Answer: Law

Explanation: Labour Day is a statutory holiday. The purpose

of a statutory holiday is provide workers with a day off without being financially penalized.

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz2. When driving your car, you STOP at a red

light.

Answer: Law

Explanation:This law applies to all citizens, and if caught by

an officer of the law you will be punished.

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz3. You and your friends always sit at the same

table in the cafeteria.

Answer: Rule

Explanation:This is not enforceable and only applies to you

at your school.

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz4. Every child must go to school until they are

16 or obtain a diploma.

Answer: Law

Explanation:This applies to all Canadian citizens. See the

Education Act for more information.

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz5. In elementary school students walk down the

hallways in a single file line.

Answer: Rule

Explanation:This rule only applies to this particular

elementary school. Once these students leave school, they are not required to walk in a single file line.

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Law: It’s Everywhere!Law is all around usMost people have had direct contact with the

law or knows someone who hasBecause laws are all around us, and affect

everyone, it’s vital that we know our rights.Canada has so many laws, and they are

constantly changingWhy do laws change? Because they are

intended to reflect our society’s current values and beliefs.

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The Rule of LawHas 3 parts to it:

Individuals must recognize and accept that law is necessary to regulate society.

The law applies equally to everyoneNo one in society has authority to take away

our rights except in accordance with the law.

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Law and MoralityLaws reflect our community standards.Laws based on morality suggest the values,

attitudes, and beliefs that we hold in common.

If you don’t like these laws, you can try to change them.

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What is the connection between law and justice?

Law and JusticeIf justice is blind (equal to all), how do we

make sense of the injustices around us? Do we need more law? Better law?

Much of the practice of law is based on the presumption that law = justice