What is an ordinance?

An ordinance refers to a law or regulation enacted by a local governing unit, such as a city or town council. These laws are typically created to address specific issues within the jurisdiction of that local government, such as zoning, public safety, or local business regulations. Unlike federal statutes, which are laws passed by the national legislature, or state statutes, which are laws passed by state legislatures, ordinances are more localized and tailored to the needs and concerns of the specific community they govern. This distinction is crucial for understanding the scope and authority of different types of laws within the legal system.

In contrast, a federal statute would apply broadly across the entire country, typically concerning national issues, while a model law represents suggestions made to state legislatures rather than a binding law enacted by them. A Supreme Court ruling deals with interpretations of federal law and constitutional issues rather than creating law at the local level. Thus, the identification of an ordinance as a local law ensures clarity in the distribution of legal authority and the relationship between different levels of government.