What’s the Difference?

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What are Rules?Rules are guidelines for appropriate behaviour.Rules only apply to the participants in the game or

members of the organization that people are participating in. For example, a rule of hockey is no icing. This rule applies only to those playing the game of hockey.

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Do we need rules?What would happen if a game like hockey were

played without rules?The game would deteriorate into a series of fights and

injuries; in the end violence rather than skill would win games.

Sports mirror real life: without rules to govern relations between people, disorder and conflict would arise.

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Do we need rules?Rules are needed because situations involving more

than one person usually require rules to regulate and control them. Think of your school, or workplace, or home, for example, if there were no rules how would this area of your life change?

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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. Ordinary rules are

part of our everyday lives in Canada, whether they are made by institutions, organizations, or schools. We must obey and follow these rules or face the consequences. 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?In Canada, we have a democratic system of

government comprised of representatives elected by the people to make or change laws to reflect the opinions of the majority of Canadians.

In some countries, the people live under a dictatorship (a form of government in which there is one absolute ruler) and have to obey the laws made by one person, or a small group of people, who have not been elected to office.

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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. Can you think of a rule and/or law that supports this statement?

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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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