1. Rules and Laws
What’s the Difference?

2. What are Rules? Rules are guidelines for appropriate behaviour.
Rules only apply to the participants in the game or members of the organization that people are participating in.
E.g A rule of hockey is no icing. This rule applies
only to those playing the game of hockey.
DO WE NEED RULES?
What would happen if we played a game with no rules?

3. What are Laws? A law is a rule needed to govern an action
A law is established by government for the members of its society to follow and obey.

4. How are Rules and Laws different?
A law is NOT just an ordinary rule.
Ordinary rules are part of our everyday lives in
Canada, whether they are made by institutions,
organizations, or schools. We must obey and
follow these rules or face the consequences.
Laws are mandatory, rules may be optional.

5. 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.
Formal system of procedures for the enforcement of laws (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.

6. Can you think of a rule and/or law that supports this statement?
Are all Laws Rules?
Yes.
All laws are rules, but all rules are not necessarily laws.
Can you think of a rule and/or law that supports this statement?

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

8. Rules vs. Laws Quiz Cont…
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. Rules vs. Laws Quiz Cont…
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.

10. Rules vs. Laws Quiz Cont…
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.

11. Rules vs. Laws Quiz Cont…
4. Every child must go to school until they are 18 or obtain a diploma. Answer: Law Explanation: This applies to all Canadian citizens. See the Education Act for more information.

12. Rules vs. Laws Quiz Cont…
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.

13. 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.