Which of the following best defines the underlined word in the following sentence?

"In ancient times, rulers would announce edicts to the people."

a. a public law

b. a military order

c. a set of marriage laws

d. a harsh code of conduct

The correct answer here would be a public law. Edicts throughout history usually meant public laws which people had to abide by on a short notice. Edicts were often given out due to some specific reason/as a consequence to a certain event to which then had to respond.