What defines statutory law?

Statutory law is defined as laws that are written and enacted by a legislative body. This means that statutory laws are formally codified rules that govern behavior and establish legal standards, and they can be found in statutes, codes, and other official legislative documents. The primary characteristic that sets statutory law apart is its creation through a specific legislative process, which involves proposal, debate, and approval by elected representatives.

Such laws are distinct from other forms of law, such as common law, which is derived from judicial decisions and precedents, or local regulations that may vary from one municipality to another. While regulations created by local governments can be a form of statutory law, they are typically more specific and apply within a limited jurisdiction. In contrast, statutory law can cover a broader range of issues and apply statewide or nationally, depending on the legislative body that enacted it. Thus, written statutes enacted by the legislature provide a clear, organized, and official way of codifying rules that everyone is expected to follow.