What is the key difference between rules and laws?

The distinction that sets rules apart from laws is rooted in their level of specificity. Rules typically provide detailed guidelines or procedures that govern specific actions or practices within a particular context, such as regulations established by a professional board. They are designed to enhance the application of broader laws by clarifying how these laws should be implemented in practice.

On the other hand, laws are more general principles that outline fundamental legal requirements or prohibitions enforced by governmental authority. While laws establish the overarching framework, rules break down that framework into actionable steps, thus serving a more specific purpose within the context of the law. Therefore, rules are not identical to laws; they correlate as implementation tools of more general legal standards, which emphasizes that the key difference lies in the level of detail provided.