Why do people not understand law and theory?

Question

Scientific Law = A generalized statement about nature

Scientific Theory = A testable model or an even verified through observation of the interaction of natural phenomena, resulting in the ability to predict future observations of the same kind.

Scientific Hypothesis = Suggested explanation for a phenomenon or of a reasonable suggestion of correlation between phenomenons.

Layman's Theory = Unproven assumption or a guess

ie.

Law of gravity = Gravity is proportional to the product of the two masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Law of gravity = Theory of Universal Gravitation + Theory of Relativity

Answer 1

is this a rhetorical question? Because you've put alot of thought into it..

But i'd say its to do with the wording of such laws and thoeries, as the language used is a little more complex than conversational english, and some people have trouble with that.

Not everyone is as intelligent, or as interested as you are.

:)

Answer 2

Some people aren't taught it, aren't taught to think, and don't bother to learn it on their own.  The terms are often used inconsistently, carelessly, and incorrectly.  By your definitions, the scientific theories receiving the most current research don't qualify as theories.  Examples include superstring theory, M-brane theory, quantum gravity, and many more.  Not all concepts are amenable to simplistic definition.