statutory law | Definition

Statutory law is law that is enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and is written down in a formal code or statute.

Statutory law is a type of law that is created by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and is codified in a formal code or statute. This type of law is different from other types of law, such as common law or case law, which are created by courts through their decisions in specific cases. Statutory law is created through a formal process that involves the introduction, discussion, and adoption of bills in the legislative body.

The process of creating statutory law begins with the introduction of a bill in the legislative body. The bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. The bill is usually drafted by a member of the legislative body or by a group of experts in the relevant field. Once the bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee for review and discussion. The committee may hold hearings to gather input from experts and the public, and may make changes to the bill before it is voted on by the full legislative body.

Once the bill has been discussed and amended, it is voted on by the full legislative body. If the bill is passed by a majority vote, it is sent to the executive branch of government for signature. The executive branch may sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. If the bill is vetoed, the legislative body may override the veto with a two-thirds vote.

Once a bill becomes law, it is codified in a formal code or statute. The statute contains the text of the law, as well as any provisions for enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, and other details. Statutory law is enforced by government agencies, such as law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.

Statutory law is an important part of the legal system in many countries. It provides a framework for regulating behavior and resolving disputes, and it helps to ensure that individuals and organizations are held accountable for their actions. However, statutory law is not the only source of law, and it is often supplemented by other types of law, such as case law and administrative law.