Differences Between Law and Act

Although the terms "act" and "law" are sometimes used synonymously. While both establish a framework for governance and are made and enforced by governmental institutions, they differ in focus and scope. An "act" is a specific piece of legislation presented, discussed, and ratified by a legislative body, for example, parliament. Once passed, it becomes a "law," a legally enforceable regulation that all citizens must observe. In other words, an act is the first proposal, whereas a law is the finalized, legally enforceable regulation. Continue reading to understand the key differences between left and right.

Differences Between Law and Act

What is a Law

Law is a body of regulations that social or government institutions make and uphold to control behavior. India's legal system is founded on a federal judicial system and includes many laws such as criminal laws, common laws, customary laws, religious laws, and civil laws. These laws are enacted based on rulings and conclusions rendered by the judiciary. The purpose of enacting laws is to control what citizens of the nation do.

Laws can be classified into two domains-

  1. Private Law: Private laws handle legal conflicts between parties in areas like contracts, property, torts, and delicts.
  2. Public Law: Public laws concern society and government. It includes administrative law, criminal law, and constitutional law.

What is an Act

Legislation that has been presented, discussed, and ratified by a legislative body, for example, a parliament or congress, after extensive discussion and debate is known as an act. An act becomes a legally binding act after it is passed. They serve as guidance for the implementation and enforcement of laws. Unlike laws that address several facets of society, acts are designed to address particular problems.

Difference Between Law and Act

Key differences between law and act are discussed in the following table.

Basis of ComparisonLawAct
DefinitionLaw is a body of regulations that social or government institutions make and uphold to control behavior.Act, on the other hand, is legislation, that has been presented, discussed, and ratified by a legislative body, for example, a parliament or congress, after extensive discussion and debate.
ScopeLaw is by its very nature comprehensive and covers a broad spectrum of legal issues, including criminal law, administrative law, constitutional law, and civil law. For example, contract law sets guidelines that parties signing any type of contract must adhere to.Act is a subset of law, and is designed to address particular problems. For example, the Agriculture Act, sometimes known as the Farmers Act, was made only for farmers.
Binding AuthorityPeople are required to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations imposed by law. When someone breaks the law, the judicial system imposes the proper punishment on them.Acts are the framework that institutions and governing bodies use to control behavior and uphold social order.
FormulationLaws are formulated on the basis of judicial rulings, legislative procedures, constitutional clauses, and legal precedents.Acts are drafted, debated, and voted upon by a legislative body, for example, a parliament or congress, prior to becoming law.
Legal HierarchyLaw is a set of regulations and laws that control a community, including different legal aspects.Acts are part of the larger body of laws within a legal system.

Conclusion

Law is a set of rules governing behavior that are made and enforced by societal or governmental institutions. An act, on the other hand, is legislation that has been passed by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, following debate and discussion among lawmakers. Once passed, an "act" becomes a "law," a legally enforceable regulation that all citizens must observe.






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