Law and order are the two most important aspects for a nation to grow.There are different types of laws.Federal laws apply to everyone whereas State and Local laws apply to people who live or work in a particular state, commonwealth, territory, county, city, municipality, town, township or village.
FEDERAL LAWS: These apply throughout the United States: Immigration law Bankruptcy law Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) laws Federal anti-discrimination and civil rights laws that protect against racial, age, gender and disability discrimination Patent and copyright laws Federal criminal laws such as laws against tax fraud and the counterfeiting of money.
STATE LAWS: These apply to all the 50 states and several commonwealths and territories within the United States: Criminal matters Divorce and family matters Welfare, public assistance or Medicaid matters Wills, inheritances and estates Real estate and other property Business contracts Personal injuries such as from a car accident or medical malpractice Workers compensation for injuries at work.
LOCAL LAWS: These apply to different counties, cities, municipalities, towns, townships and villages in each state, commonwealth or territory: Rent laws Zoning Local safety All laws are part of a hierarchy in which federal laws are at the top, local laws at the bottom.
The different kinds of laws are interrelated as:
STATUTES The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No federal or state law may violate it. Federal laws (statutes), enacted by the United States Congress, must be followed by every state in the country. If a state law contradicts a federal law, the federal statute pre-empts the state law, and the state will be required to abide by the federal statute. However, federal laws do not cover all areas of the law, and in those instances, state or local laws will control.
REGULATIONS Most regulations are developed and enacted through a rule-making process, which includes public input. State agencies hold open meetings and public hearings, allowing citizens to participate in the creation of regulations. Most regulations are in effect for only a limited period of time and must be re-enacted on a regular basis.
ORDINANCES State may delegate the authority to make regulations to administrative agencies as well as to other units of government within the state. County and municipal governments enact laws, often called ordinances, via specific powers granted to them by the state. County and municipal ordinances apply to everyone within the county or municipality limits. These ordinances may not violate state or federal laws.
