Which of the following best captures the enforcement level of laws in comparison to norms?

The choice that best captures the enforcement level of laws in comparison to norms is that laws are clearly stated and strictly enforced. This statement highlights the characteristic nature of laws as formalized rules that are established by governing bodies, which are typically documented and made accessible to the public. Laws are intended to maintain social order and are backed by a system of penalties and consequences for those who violate them, ensuring a level of consistency and authority that norms may not possess.

In contrast, norms are more informal guidelines that govern behavior and social expectations. They can vary in strictness depending on their classification—such as folkways, which are informal norms with mild consequences, and mores, which carry more significant moral weight. While norms evolve and may be subject to individual interpretation and social influence, laws aim to provide a definitive framework for acceptable conduct within society.