Oklahoma Statutes:
* Source: These are laws passed by the Oklahoma Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.
* Scope: They cover broad, fundamental legal principles and policies that affect the entire state. Examples include criminal law, civil law, education, transportation, and environmental protection.
* Authority: Statutes hold the highest legal authority in Oklahoma. Administrative rules must adhere to the statutes.
* Format: Statutes are organized into titles and chapters, forming the Oklahoma Statutes Annotated (OSA).
Oklahoma Administrative Rules:
* Source: These are rules and regulations created by state agencies, boards, and commissions to implement and enforce the statutes passed by the Legislature.
* Scope: They focus on specific areas within the agency's jurisdiction, providing more detailed guidance and procedures for carrying out the law.
* Authority: Administrative rules are derived from and subordinate to statutes. They must be consistent with the intent of the underlying law.
* Format: Administrative rules are typically organized by agency and are published in the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC).
Here's a simple analogy:
* Statutes: Think of them as the "Constitution" of Oklahoma, outlining the broad framework for how things work.
* Administrative Rules: Think of them as the "operating manual" for specific departments and agencies, providing detailed instructions on how to implement those constitutional principles.
Example:
* Statute: The Oklahoma Education Code might outline the overall structure of the state's educational system.
* Administrative Rule: The State Board of Education might create rules specifying the requirements for teacher certification and school accreditation to carry out the provisions of the Education Code.
In summary:
Oklahoma Statutes are the primary laws of the state, setting the broad framework. Administrative Rules are more detailed regulations that implement those laws. Both are important parts of the legal system in Oklahoma.