Law and order are the two most important aspects for a nation to grow.
Unfortunately, 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, 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.
Every state must follow federal laws (statutes) enacted by the United States Congress in the country.
If state law contradicts 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 time and must be re-enacted regularly.
ORDINANCES
The state may delegate the authority to make regulations to administrative agencies and 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.
Related Articles
Four Benefits of An Employee Assistance Program
Why we see repeat bankruptcy cases in Chapter 11
