What distinguishes a law from a regulation?

The distinction between a law and a regulation is clearly articulated by the fact that laws are written acts that are passed by a legislative body, while regulations serve to detail and provide specific guidelines on how those laws are to be implemented and enforced.

Laws establish broad principles and frameworks that govern conduct in society; they are enacted by legislatures, often after a deliberative process that allows for public input and consideration. Once a law is established, regulatory agencies, which are typically part of the executive branch of government, create regulations to fill in the gaps and provide clarity on how the law is to be applied in practice. Regulations are necessary for operationalizing laws, as they are more specific and technical, related to the practical implementation of the legislation.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in the context of public health pest control, as regulations derived from laws can dictate specific practices, standards, and procedures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Hence, the proper response highlights the complementary nature of laws and regulations in governance and enforcement.