What law governs an association's bylaws?

The bylaws of an association are primarily governed by corporate law. This is because an association often operates under the framework of a corporation or an equivalent legal entity, which is subject to regulations outlined in corporate law. This law determines how organizations can structure their governance, operational procedures, membership, and other critical aspects vital for their functioning.

Bylaws serve as the internal rules that help to guide the management and framework of the association, specifying the rights and responsibilities of its members, the procedures for meetings and voting, and other operational matters. Corporate law provides the legal basis for these bylaws, ensuring they comply with broader regulations and statutes that govern corporate entities, thereby ensuring legitimacy and enforceability.

In contrast, real estate law primarily deals with property transactions and ownership, civil law is concerned with private rights and legal matters between individuals, and administrative law governs regulatory agencies and their actions. None of these areas offer the same level of specific guidance regarding the internal governance of associations as corporate law does.