Legal Definitions - enacted law

Enacted law refers to legal rules and regulations that have been formally created, passed, and put into effect by a legislative body. These laws originate from a structured process, typically involving debate, voting, and approval by elected representatives, and are then signed into law by an executive authority (like a president, governor, or mayor). Unlike common law, which develops from judicial decisions, enacted law is written and codified, meaning it is formally documented and organized.

Here are some examples illustrating enacted law:

• Imagine the U.S. Congress passes a new bill establishing a nationwide minimum wage increase. After being approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed by the President, this bill becomes an enacted law. It is a formal, written rule created by the federal legislative branch to govern employment compensation across the country.

• Consider a state legislature that votes to approve a new statute requiring all drivers to use hands-free devices when operating a vehicle. Once this bill successfully navigates the legislative process and is signed by the state's governor, it becomes an enacted law. This law is a specific, written rule created by the state's elected representatives to enhance road safety within its jurisdiction.

• A city council might pass an ordinance prohibiting loud construction noise between certain hours in residential areas. This local ordinance, having been formally debated, voted on, and approved by the city's legislative body, is an enacted law. It is a specific rule created at the municipal level to regulate local activities and maintain peace within the community.