statute

Legal TermLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

A statute is a formal written law enacted by a legislative body, such as a legislature or Congress, that establishes rules or penalties for specific actions within a jurisdiction. It serves as the foundational text for legal obligations and rights.

Plain-English Translation

Imagine a very official rule book written down by the government. A statute is like a formal rule that says what people must do or what happens if they break the rules, and it's written down to make sure everyone knows exactly what the law is.

Context in Contracts

Statutes are crucial because they provide the authoritative basis for legal obligations, defining the scope and limits of governmental power and individual rights within a jurisdiction. They form the backbone of legal arguments and compliance requirements.

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01

The statute defining criminal penalties for a specific offense.

02

The statute outlining the requirements for a new environmental regulation.

Document context

How statute shows up in legal documents

What is it?

A statute is a written law enacted by a legislative body (like a state legislature or federal Congress) that defines specific rights, duties, or prohibitions. It is a formal legal text that sets forth the rules of law for a particular subject matter.

Why does it matter?

Statutes are crucial because they provide the authoritative basis for legal obligations, defining the scope and limits of governmental power and individual rights within a jurisdiction. They form the backbone of legal arguments and compliance requirements.

When does it matter?

Statutes appear when discussing the specific written laws that govern a particular area of law, such as criminal penalties, administrative procedures, or civil rights protections.

Where is it usually seen?

Statutes are typically found in federal codes, state codes, legislative enactments, and codified sections within legal briefs and regulatory documents.

Who is affected?

The legislature (e.g., Congress) enacts the statute, but it affects citizens, government agencies, and individuals who must comply with the rules established by that law.

How does it work?

A statute works by providing a clear set of enforceable rules or prohibitions. It dictates what is legal and what is not, often defining specific actions or consequences under the law.

Related terms

Terms to compare with statute

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Wikipedia

Statute

Statute

A statute is a law or formal written enactment of a legislature. Statutes typically declare, command or prohibit something. Statutes are distinguished from court law and unwritten law (also known as common law) in that they are the expressed will of a...

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