Final answer:
The clearly defined norms of a society that, when violated, provide punishment through the application of formal sanctions by ruling authority are called laws (Option A).
Step-by-step explanation:
The clearly defined norms of a society that, when violated, provide punishment through the application of formal sanctions by ruling authority are called laws (Option A). Laws are written rules that are established in order to suit and serve the most people in a society. They are the most specific and clearly stated of the various types of norms and are strictly enforced.