What is the difference between a regulation and a law?

The distinction between a regulation and a law is significant in the context of compliance and governance. A law serves as a broad framework established by legislative bodies, such as Congress or state legislatures, that sets forth general duties and responsibilities. Laws typically require enforcement mechanisms and can impose penalties for non-compliance.

Regulations, on the other hand, are detailed rules created by governmental agencies to implement and enforce laws. They provide the specific parameters and guidelines necessary to achieve the intentions of the law. For instance, while a law might set a requirement for clean air, the regulations will specify the exact emissions limits and the methods for monitoring compliance.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for effectively navigating compliance issues because businesses and individuals must follow both laws and the associated regulations to ensure they are meeting legal obligations. The distinction highlights the hierarchy within the legal framework where laws provide the overarching principles and regulations offer the means to operationalize those principles in practical terms.