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'''Statute'''
{{short description|An overview of the concept of a statute in law}}


A '''[[Statute]]''' is a formal written enactment of a legislative authority that governs a [[state]], [[city]], or [[country]]. Typically, statutes command or prohibit something, or declare policy. The word is often used to distinguish law made by legislative bodies from case law, decided by courts, and regulations issued by government agencies. Statutes are sometimes referred to as legislation or "black letter law". As a source of law, statutes are considered primary authority (as opposed to secondary authority).
== Statute ==
A '''statute''' is a formal written enactment of a [[legislative body]]. Statutes command, prohibit, or declare policy. Typically, statutes are organized into [[codes]] by subject matter, such as the [[United States Code]] or the [[Civil Code of France]].


== Origin ==
[[File:GDL_Statute.jpg|thumb|right|A historical statute from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania]]


The term comes from the [[Latin]] word ''statutum'', which means "it is decided". The phrase ''statute law'' is used to differentiate this kind of law from [[common law]], which is a body of law derived from judicial decisions and established customs.
== Characteristics ==
Statutes are distinguished from other forms of law, such as [[common law]] or [[regulations]]. They are created through a formal legislative process and are often subject to interpretation by the [[judiciary]].


== Types of Statutes ==
=== Legislative Process ===
The process of creating a statute typically involves several stages, including drafting, committee review, and approval by both houses of a [[bicameral legislature]], if applicable. Once passed, a statute is signed into law by the [[head of state]] or other authorized official.


Statutes can be classified into two main types: public statutes and private statutes.  
=== Interpretation ===
Statutes are interpreted by the judiciary to resolve ambiguities and apply the law to specific cases. This process is known as [[statutory interpretation]]. Courts may use various methods of interpretation, including the [[literal rule]], the [[golden rule]], and the [[mischief rule]].


* '''Public Statutes''': These are the laws that apply to the general public and are interpreted by the courts. They relate to the public rights and duties, and include criminal, administrative and constitutional laws.
== Types of Statutes ==
Statutes can be classified into several types based on their purpose and scope:


* '''Private Statutes''': These are laws that have effect on private rights but not on the public generally. They include laws that affect specific individuals, corporations or estates.
* '''Public statutes''': These apply to the public at large and address issues of public concern.
* '''Private statutes''': These affect only a specific individual or group.
* '''Codifying statutes''': These consolidate and organize existing laws on a particular subject.
* '''Declaratory statutes''': These clarify existing laws without changing them.
* '''Remedial statutes''': These provide remedies for wrongs or injuries.


== Interpretation ==
== Related Concepts ==


The process of interpreting a statute is called [[Statutory Interpretation]]. The courts apply various rules and methods of statutory interpretation in order to ascertain and effectuate the intent of the legislature.
=== Statutory Law ===
Statutory law refers to the body of law that is created by statutes. It is one of the primary sources of law, alongside [[common law]] and [[constitutional law]].


== See also ==
=== Statutory Interpretation ===
Statutory interpretation is the process by which courts interpret and apply legislation. It involves understanding the language of the statute, the intent of the legislature, and the context in which the statute was enacted.


== Related pages ==
* [[Legislation]]
* [[Legislation]]
* [[Common law]]
* [[Common law]]
* [[Statutory law]]
* [[Regulation]]
* [[Statutory Interpretation]]
* [[Judiciary]]
 
* [[Legal code]]
== References ==
 
<references />
 
== External links ==
 
* [https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/statute Statute] at Wex Legal Dictionary
* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/statute-law Statute Law] at Britannica


[[Category:Law]]
[[Category:Law]]
[[Category:Legal terms]]
[[Category:Legislation]]
[[Category:Statutory law]]
 
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Latest revision as of 04:01, 13 February 2025

An overview of the concept of a statute in law


Statute[edit]

A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative body. Statutes command, prohibit, or declare policy. Typically, statutes are organized into codes by subject matter, such as the United States Code or the Civil Code of France.

A historical statute from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Characteristics[edit]

Statutes are distinguished from other forms of law, such as common law or regulations. They are created through a formal legislative process and are often subject to interpretation by the judiciary.

Legislative Process[edit]

The process of creating a statute typically involves several stages, including drafting, committee review, and approval by both houses of a bicameral legislature, if applicable. Once passed, a statute is signed into law by the head of state or other authorized official.

Interpretation[edit]

Statutes are interpreted by the judiciary to resolve ambiguities and apply the law to specific cases. This process is known as statutory interpretation. Courts may use various methods of interpretation, including the literal rule, the golden rule, and the mischief rule.

Types of Statutes[edit]

Statutes can be classified into several types based on their purpose and scope:

  • Public statutes: These apply to the public at large and address issues of public concern.
  • Private statutes: These affect only a specific individual or group.
  • Codifying statutes: These consolidate and organize existing laws on a particular subject.
  • Declaratory statutes: These clarify existing laws without changing them.
  • Remedial statutes: These provide remedies for wrongs or injuries.

Related Concepts[edit]

Statutory Law[edit]

Statutory law refers to the body of law that is created by statutes. It is one of the primary sources of law, alongside common law and constitutional law.

Statutory Interpretation[edit]

Statutory interpretation is the process by which courts interpret and apply legislation. It involves understanding the language of the statute, the intent of the legislature, and the context in which the statute was enacted.

Related pages[edit]