What is the Difference Between Ordinance and Law?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between an ordinance and a law lies in the level of government that enacts them and the scope of their jurisdiction.
- Ordinance: An ordinance is a local law or decree adopted by a municipality, such as a city or town government. Ordinances are enacted by municipal governing authorities, like city councils or county boards of commissioners. They typically deal with public safety, health, and general welfare, addressing issues like fire and safety regulations, housing standards, parking regulations, snow removal, littering, public streets and sidewalks, and zoning (land use). Ordinances apply only to the local jurisdiction, as opposed to the entire state.
- Law: A law is a rule or system of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality. Laws are passed by the legislature and are meant to protect and control the behavior of individuals within the jurisdiction. They cover a broader range of topics and have a more extensive jurisdiction compared to ordinances.
In summary, ordinances are local laws enacted by municipal authorities and apply only to the local jurisdiction, while laws are enacted by higher levels of government (state or federal) and have a broader jurisdiction and scope.
Comparative Table: Ordinance vs Law
Here is a table comparing the differences between ordinances and laws:
Feature | Ordinance | Law |
---|---|---|
Definition | A local law or decree adopted by a municipality or city/town government. | A rule or system of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality. |
Scope | Typically deals with public safety, health, and general welfare, such as fire and safety regulations, housing standards, parking regulations, snow removal, littering, public streets and sidewalks, and zoning (land use). | Covers a broader range of subjects, including criminal laws, civil laws, and administrative laws. |
Enactment | Enacted by municipal authorities. | Enacted by a legislative body, such as a state or federal legislature. |
Jurisdiction | Applies to a specific municipality or locality. | Applies to a state, nation, or region. |
Legal Status | Not passed by the legislature and can only be delivered when the Parliament is not in session. | Passed by the legislature and can be enacted at the state, federal, or international level. |
In summary, ordinances are local laws enacted by municipal authorities and typically address issues related to public safety, health, and general welfare within a specific municipality or locality. Laws, on the other hand, are rules or systems of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality, covering a broader range of subjects and jurisdictions.
- Act vs Ordinance
- Law vs Regulation
- Law vs Legislation
- Act vs Law
- Laws vs Rules
- Law vs Policy
- Legal vs Lawful
- Public Order vs Law vs Order
- Law vs Justice
- Sacrament vs Ordinance
- Law vs Statute
- Law vs Morality
- Constitution vs Legislation
- Legislation vs Regulation
- Law vs Ethics
- Mores vs Laws
- Civil Law vs Criminal Law
- Policy vs Legislation
- Rules vs Regulations