What is the difference between a law and a policy?

The distinction between a law and a policy is that a law is a rule established by government authorities that must be followed and has legal consequences for non-compliance. Laws are formalized through legislation and are enforced by governmental agencies, making them mandatory for everyone within a jurisdiction. On the other hand, a policy refers to a course of action or a guiding principle adopted by an organization, government, or individual that may influence decisions but does not have the same legal standing as a law. Policies are often developed to guide the implementation of laws or to fulfill certain objectives but can be flexible and subject to change based on the needs of the organization or community. This understanding of the distinction highlights the formal nature of laws compared to the broader, often discretionary nature of policies.