Who is responsible for enforcing regulatory laws?

The responsibility for enforcing regulatory laws falls primarily on regulatory agencies. These agencies are created by legislation to oversee specific areas of public policy and ensure compliance with the laws established by the legislative body. Their mandates often include monitoring, implementing, and enforcing regulations that pertain to areas such as the environment, health and safety, financial markets, and consumer protection.

Regulatory agencies have the authority to investigate violations, impose fines, and enforce compliance through various mechanisms, including inspections and audits. Their specialized expertise allows them to navigate the complexities of the industries they oversee, making them uniquely suited to enforce regulatory laws effectively.

On the other hand, while legislators create laws and judges interpret them, they do not have the direct authority or resources to enforce regulations. Municipalities typically handle local ordinances rather than broad regulatory laws that are enforced at the state or federal levels.