mindmap root((法规)) law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all who are subject to that authority: obey the ~. rule suggests closer relation to individual conduct and may imply restriction, usually in regard to a specific situation, for the sake of an immediate end: the ~s of a game. regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization, situation, or system: ~s affecting nuclear power plants. precept commonly suggests something advisory and authoritative but not obligatory that is communicated typically through teaching: the ~s of effective writing. statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body: a ~ 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 ~. canon in religious use applies to a law of a church; in non-religious use it suggests a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide: a house that violates all the ~s of good taste.