Rather than London laying down the law, cities have the right to do things their way.

BBC: Clegg extends city deal to 20 more English zones

The Securities and Exchange Commission is laying down the law with dark pools--or at least starting to.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Read: Crime and punishment in sport: Laying down the law?

CNN: FIFA awards goal-line technology licenses

And emphasis over the past decade or so on community policing cosying up to the communities they police rather than laying down the law has made them reluctant to alienate anyone.

ECONOMIST: Riots in England

He insists on these points over and over again, as if they were not slightly banal, and unfortunately, as he does so, it becomes clear that he is laying down the law on the basis simply of his own tastes and prejudices.

ECONOMIST: Writing history

In fact, published reports reveal that Defense Secretary Les Aspin is untroubled by the prospect of laying down the law on the services, on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and on the regional commanders in chief regarding the dramatic changes in force structure and strategy he advocates.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Clinton��s Actions Demonstrate Contempt for Role of Military

Business owners may be able to make laying the law down easier by offering employees both positive and negative feedback on a regular basis, says Peter Cappelli, a professor of management at the Wharton School in Philadelphia.

WSJ: For Some Bosses, Tough Love Isn't Easy to Give

The Justice and Peace Law offers only limited amnesty to all those laying down their arms.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Columbia: Moving toward more stability