Difference between an Act and a Code.

As it is famously known that ignorance of the law is no excuse. It thus is essential to know everything you can about the law and important factors and definitions related to it. We tried decoding one such topic today which is the difference between an act and a code. Read on to know more.

Meaning of an Act

An act is a bill which was passed through various legislative steps that renders it as a law. It could also be termed as a statute or decision by legislation after a bill is passed.

Meaning of a Code

A code in legal terms is a process of codification in which a specific action taken by the legislature leads to covering of a complete system of laws. Therefore we can define a code as a collection of already passed acts.

Difference between an Act and a Code

After decoding the definitions of both the code and an act, we can derive the following points of differences between the two:

1. An act is a decision by legislation after a bill is passed whereas the code is a collection of already passed laws.
2. A code is a collection of laws whereas an act is independent.
3. A code involves the process of codification and the same cannot be said for an act.
4. An act is a part of the code but the same cannot be said for a code.
5. A code deals with the complete system of laws whereas an act talks about only the particular topic with which the act is related such as the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 deals with the consumer interests and rights only.

Examples of a Code

The following examples will help simplify the discussed definition of a code.

1. Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) is a comprehensive code that aims at covering all the substantive aspects of criminal law in India.
2. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) aims at the administration of the substantive criminal law in India.
3. Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) lays down the procedures to be followed by a civil court covering the exhaustive range of all civil matters.

Examples of an Act

The following examples will help simplify the discussed definition of an act.

1. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 – This act deals with the rights of the Consumers in India and safeguards their interest against the wrongdoings of business which may cause harm in monetary terms or otherwise.
2. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955- This act deals with the matrimony laws relating to Hindus, Jains, and Christians etc.
3. Right to Information Act, 2005- This act deals with the right of Indian Citizens to acquire information relating to the government organizations or any other information which should be available for the general public upon demand.

 

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