What is statutory law?

Statutory law refers specifically to laws that are enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress at the federal level or state legislatures at the state level. This type of law is created through a formal legislative process, which typically includes drafting a bill, discussion, and voting. Once a bill is approved, it is signed into law by the appropriate executive authority.

Understanding statutory law is crucial because it forms the foundation of legal frameworks in many jurisdictions and covers a wide range of issues, including criminal law, property law, and administrative law, among others. Unlike case law, which evolves from judicial decisions and precedents established in court cases, statutory law is clear and defined, as it is written and officially enacted.

Statutory law is also different from municipal laws, which may be localized and specific to particular areas, and from international law, which deals with treaties and agreements between nations. Therefore, the selection accurately encapsulates the nature of statutory law as laws that are set forth by legislative bodies, making it a vital component of the overall legal system.