Act vs. Ordinance Section

Attribute	Act	Ordinance Section
Legislative Body	Passed by Parliament or State Legislature	Passed by local government or municipal council
Scope	Applies to entire country or state	Applies to specific locality or region
Enforcement	Enforced by central or state government	Enforced by local authorities
Amendment	Can be amended by Parliament or State Legislature	Can be amended by local government or municipal council

Definition

An Act is a piece of legislation that has been passed by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. It is a formal written document that outlines laws, rules, and regulations that govern a particular jurisdiction. Acts are typically more comprehensive and cover a wider range of topics than ordinances.

An Ordinance Section, on the other hand, is a specific provision within an ordinance. An ordinance is a law or regulation enacted by a local government, such as a city council or county board. Ordinances are typically more limited in scope and apply to a specific locality or jurisdiction. Ordinance sections are individual components of an ordinance that address specific issues or regulations.

Scope

Acts generally have a broader scope than ordinance sections. Acts can cover a wide range of topics, including criminal law, civil law, taxation, and administrative procedures. Acts are often used to establish fundamental legal principles and frameworks that govern a society as a whole.

Ordinance sections, on the other hand, are more narrowly focused. They typically address specific issues or regulations that are relevant to a particular locality or jurisdiction. Ordinance sections are often used to regulate local matters, such as zoning, building codes, and public health.

Enactment Process

Acts are usually enacted through a formal legislative process. In many countries, acts must be passed by a majority vote in both houses of parliament or congress before they can become law. Acts are often subject to public debate, committee hearings, and amendments before they are enacted.

Ordinances, including ordinance sections, are typically enacted by a local government body, such as a city council or county board. The process for enacting ordinances varies by jurisdiction but often involves public hearings, readings, and votes by the governing body. Ordinances may also be subject to approval by a higher level of government, such as a state legislature.

Legal Status

Acts have a higher legal status than ordinance sections. Acts are considered primary legislation and have the force of law throughout the jurisdiction in which they apply. Acts are generally more difficult to amend or repeal than ordinances, and they take precedence over conflicting ordinances.

Ordinance sections, on the other hand, are considered secondary legislation. While ordinance sections have the force of law within their specific jurisdiction, they are subordinate to acts and may be overridden by conflicting acts. Ordinance sections can be amended or repealed more easily than acts, as they are typically enacted at the local level.

Application

Acts have a broader application than ordinance sections. Acts apply to the entire jurisdiction in which they are enacted and are binding on all individuals and entities within that jurisdiction. Acts are generally enforced by government agencies, such as police departments, tax authorities, and regulatory bodies.

Ordinance sections, on the other hand, apply only to the specific locality or jurisdiction in which they are enacted. Ordinance sections are enforced by local government agencies, such as code enforcement departments, health departments, and planning departments. Violations of ordinance sections are typically subject to local enforcement and penalties.