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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. 2

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. 3

How are Rules and Laws different? A law is not just an ordinary rule. Laws are mandatory, rules may be optional. 4

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. 5

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. 6

Are all Laws Rules? Yes. All laws are rules, but all rules are not necessarily laws. 7

Rules vs. Laws Quiz Read each of the following statements. Is it a rule or a law? 8

Rules vs. Laws Quiz 1. 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. 9

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Rules vs. Laws Quiz 2. 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. 12

Rules vs. Laws Quiz 3. 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. 13

Rules vs. Laws Quiz 4. 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. 14

Rules vs. Laws Quiz 5. 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. 15

Law: It’s Everywhere! Law is all around us Most people have had direct contact with the law or knows someone who has Because 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 changing Why do laws change? Because they are intended to reflect our society’s current values and beliefs. 16

The Rule of Law Has 3 parts to it: Individuals must recognize and accept that law is necessary to regulate society. The law applies equally to everyone No one in society has authority to take away our rights except in accordance with the law. 17

Law and Morality Laws 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. 18

What is the connection between law and justice?

Law and Justice If 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