Question

_____ are norms that are considered to be of central importance to the functioning of society and to social life, the violation of which brings serious retribution.

Answer 1

Norms that are of central significance to the functioning of society and to social life, the violation of which brings serious retribution are called mores.

To add, mores include an aversion for societal taboos, such as incest. The mores of a society usually predicate legislation prohibiting their taboos.