Statutory law refers to the written laws that are formally enacted by legislative bodies, such as parliaments or congresses. These laws are codified in statutes, ordinances, or codes and provide clear, specific legal rules that govern society. Statutory law is distinct from common law, which is derived from judicial decisions, and from regulatory law, which is created by administrative agencies.
- Enacted by legislative bodies (e.g., parliaments, congresses)
- Written, codified, and publicly accessible
- Provides specific legal rules and procedures
- Different from common law (judge-made law) and regulatory law (agency rules)
Statutory law consists of written laws passed by legislative bodies.
How Statutory Law is Made
Statutory law is created through a formal legislative process. A proposed law, called a bill, is introduced in the legislature, debated, and must be approved by a majority of lawmakers. Once both legislative chambers (if bicameral) approve the bill, it is sent to the executive (e.g., president or governor) for approval (signing into law) or veto. If approved, the bill becomes a statute.
- A bill is proposed, debated, and voted on in the legislature
- Requires approval by majority in one or both chambers
- Sent to executive for signature or veto
- Once signed, the bill becomes a statute and is codified
After legislative approval, a bill is sent to the executive for approval.
Statutory law is made when a bill is introduced, approved by the legislature, and signed by the executive.
A bill is a proposed law presented to the legislature for approval.
Examples of Statutory Law
Statutory laws cover a wide range of subjects, including criminal offenses, civil rights, environmental regulations, tax rules, and labor standards. Examples include:
- A statute defining what constitutes theft and the penalties for it
- A law establishing minimum wage requirements for workers
- A legislative act setting emission standards for factories
- A civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on race or gender
A national minimum wage law passed by Congress is statutory law.
Statutory laws can regulate criminal offenses, labor standards, environmental protections, and civil rights.
Yes, a local ordinance enacted by a city council is a form of statutory law.
Statutory Law vs. Other Sources of Law
| Source of Law | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory Law | Laws enacted by legislatures | A new traffic safety law passed by Congress |
| Common Law | Law established by judicial decisions | A court ruling that sets a precedent for contract disputes |
| Regulatory Law | Rules made by administrative agencies | EPA regulations on water pollution |
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental principles in a constitution | A provision declaring freedom of speech |
- Statutory law is written and passed by legislatures
- Common law is judge-made law, based on precedents
- Regulatory law is created by government agencies (not elected bodies)
- Constitutional law is derived from the constitution, the supreme legal document
Statutory law is written legislation enacted by legislatures, whereas common law is judge-made.
Statutory law is created by the legislature.
Conclusion
Statutory law is the cornerstone of modern legal systems, providing clear, written rules that lawmakers create to address society's evolving needs. Its formal legislative process ensures that laws are debated, approved, and codified for transparency and consistency.
- Statutory law consists of written laws enacted by legislatures
- It covers diverse areas such as crime, labor, environment, and civil rights
- Legislative bodies, not judges or agencies, are the primary sources of statutory law