The fact that we have lawyers who argue over definitions and whatnot suggests that this isn't possible except through case law. Almost all written rules/laws have exceptions. It's incredibly hard to codify even something we all agree on in terms of wanting to outlaw: murder.

While it would be nice, there's actually not really such a requirement. New legal theories are brought in criminal cases from time to time.

The existence of novel legal theories in criminal cases means it's not always knowable precisely what is and is not illegal.

The world is shades of grey, not black-and-white, and that's especially true in criminal law.

A single example of the laws not being clear-cut and concrete, but hopefully covering enough ground that people can be reasonably expected to understand, is illustrated in IRS Publication 535 under 2. Employees’ Pay.

Reasonableness is defined as:

Test 1—Reasonableness

You must be able to prove that the pay is reasonable. Whether the pay is reasonable depends on the circumstances that existed when you contracted for the services, not those that exist when reasonableness is questioned. If the pay is excessive, the excess pay is disallowed as a deduction.

Factors to consider. Determine the reasonableness of pay by the facts and circumstances. Generally, reasonable pay is the amount that a similar business would pay for the same or similar services. To determine if pay is reasonable, also consider the following items and any other pertinent facts.

- The duties performed by the employee. - The volume of business handled. - The character and amount of responsibility. - The complexities of your business. - The amount of time required. - The cost of living in the locality. - The ability and achievements of the individual employee performing the service. - The pay compared with the gross and net income of the business, as well as with distributions to shareholders if the business is a corporation. - Your policy regarding pay for all your employees. - The history of pay for each employee.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p535#idm139767235089984

It is LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE to cover all of the cases with laws. Arguing “common sense” also isn’t valid, “common sense” isn’t really “commonly shared”.

So, we do our best to create laws that cover bases but also give room for interpretation SO THAT WE CAN catch those people who are deliberately trying to break them.

If we said “you may not go over the speed limit” what happens if a bunch of people decide to go under, making it unsafe for other people?

They would have a basis to argue that they were not breaking the law.

So we create laws that are also guidelines.