What are regulations in the context of law?

Regulations are specific rules or directives created by government agencies based on the authority granted to them by law. They have the force of law, meaning they are enforceable and must be followed, similar to laws passed by legislative bodies. Regulations are often detailed and designed to implement and enforce broader legislative goals, translating the more general provisions of the law into actionable guidelines for individuals and organizations.

The other choices do not accurately capture the nature of regulations. Recommendations on legal practices, for example, imply a non-binding suggestion, while suggestions for law enforcement do not impose mandatory compliance. Variances to the law suggest adjustments that might allow for exceptions rather than establishing enforceable rules. Thus, option A accurately defines regulations as binding interpretations of the law, making it the correct choice.