What Is Statute Law?

Statute law, also known as legislation or statutory law, is the body of written laws enacted by a legislature or other governing body. Statutes are formal written laws that are created and enacted by a legislative process. They can cover a wide range of legal issues, including criminal law, public law, family law, commercial law, and administrative law.

Statutory law is different from case law, which is developed by judges through the decisions they make in court. Statutes are created through a formal legislative process that involves the introduction, debate, and passage of bills by a legislative body, such as a parliament, congress, or state assembly. Once a bill has been passed by the legislative body, it becomes law, and it is typically published in a formal code or compilation of laws.

Statutory law is an essential part of any legal system, as it establishes the rules and regulations that govern society. It is typically more specific and detailed than case law, providing clear guidance on what is permitted and prohibited in a particular jurisdiction. Statutes can also be amended or repealed by the same legislative body that enacted them, making it possible to update and modify the law as needed.

Statutory law provides a formal, written source of law that is created through a formal legislative process. It plays a critical role in establishing the rules and regulations that govern society and is an essential component of any legal system.