Which term describes gangs with a documented history and a written set of laws or codes?

The term that refers to gangs with a documented history and a written set of laws or codes is traditional gangs. These groups are often organized in a structured manner, displaying a clear hierarchy and a long-standing presence within the community. Their established codes often govern member behavior, actions, and interactions, which contributes to their identity and operational stability.

Traditional gangs tend to have a significant cultural and historical background, often drawing from specific ethnic or cultural influences. This written set of laws or codes serves both to regulate the behavior of the gang members and to reinforce loyalty and commitment to the group's identity.

The other types of gangs, such as non-traditional, transitional, and street gangs, generally do not share the same level of documentation and historical significance as traditional gangs. Non-traditional gangs may be more loosely organized, transitional gangs often emerge during periods of change and may not have firm structures, and street gangs typically evolve from community dynamics without the formal codification that defines traditional gangs.