law

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

• • obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

• • the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

• • regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

• • the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

• • a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

• • a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

• • the canons of good taste