The Difference Between Act and Law Explained
Definition of Act and Law
Acts and laws are terms that are commonly used in the legal system. To understand the difference between them, it’s important to define what each term means.
An Act is a bill that has been passed by both houses of parliament and given royal assent by the monarch. When an Act is passed, it becomes a law.
A law is a set of rules that are created by the government and enforced by the courts. Laws can be enforced through criminal or civil courts and are designed to regulate behavior and protect rights.
How Acts and Laws are Different
One of the main differences between an Act and a law is that an Act is a specific piece of legislation that has been passed by Parliament, whereas a law is a general term that refers to the entire set of rules and regulations that exist in a particular jurisdiction.
Another difference is the way in which they are created. Acts are created through the parliamentary process, which involves debates, readings, and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Laws, on the other hand, are created by government agencies, regulatory bodies, and court decisions.
Acts are also more powerful than laws. They are considered the highest form of law and can override any other legal instrument including common law and regulations.
Examples of Acts and Laws
In the UK, some examples of Acts include the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010 and the Digital Economy Act 2017. These Acts were all passed by Parliament and have the force of law.
Laws, on the other hand, can cover a wide range of topics, such as criminal law, contract law, and employment law. In the UK, examples of laws include the Theft Act 1968, the Companies Act 2006, and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Conclusion
In summary, Acts and laws are both important components of the legal system, but they differ in their origins, scope and power. An Act is a specific piece of legislation that has been passed by Parliament and becomes law, while law is a general term referring to a set of rules and regulations. Understanding the differences between the two can help navigate the legal system with confidence.
Table difference between act and law
| Aspect | Act | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An act is a written rule or regulation that has been passed by a legislative body. | Law is a system of rules that are enforced by a government and affect people’s behavior in society. |
| Creation | An act is created by a legislative body such as parliament or congress. | A law is created by the government, judiciary or legislative body. |
| Scope | Acts are usually specific to a particular area, situation, or sector. | Laws cover a wide range of areas, situations, and sectors. |
| Enforcement | Acts are enforced by courts. | Laws are enforced by the government or judiciary. |
| Amendment | Acts can be amended or repealed by the legislative body. | Laws can be amended or repealed by the government or judiciary. |
| Examples | The Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Patriot Act, etc. | The Constitution, Criminal Law, Tax Law, etc. |