Legal Definitions - legislative law

Legislative law, also commonly known as statutory law, refers to written laws formally enacted by a legislative body. These bodies can be at the federal, state, or local level, such as the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, or city councils. Legislative law is distinct from other forms of law, like common law (created by judges through court decisions) or administrative law (created by government agencies).

Here are some examples illustrating legislative law:

• Example 1: The Clean Water Act

  The U.S. Congress, a federal legislative body, passed the Clean Water Act to regulate pollutant discharges into U.S. waters and set water quality standards. This law dictates what industries can discharge, how municipalities must treat wastewater, and establishes enforcement mechanisms.

  This is an example of legislative law because it was created and enacted by the U.S. Congress, following the constitutionally prescribed process for making federal laws. It is a written statute that all citizens and entities must obey.

• Example 2: State Minimum Wage Laws

  Many states have passed laws establishing a minimum hourly wage that employers must pay their employees within that state. For instance, a state legislature might pass a bill raising the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour, overriding any lower federal minimum wage for workers in that state.

  This demonstrates legislative law because the minimum wage requirement is a direct result of a bill voted on and approved by a state's legislative assembly. It is a formal, written rule that governs economic activity within the state's jurisdiction.

• Example 3: City Zoning Ordinances

  A city council, acting as a local legislative body, might pass a zoning ordinance that designates certain areas of the city for residential use only, while others are designated for commercial or industrial use. This ordinance would specify building height limits, setback requirements, and permissible activities for each zone.

  This illustrates legislative law because the zoning rules are formally enacted by the city council through a legislative process. These written ordinances dictate how land can be used within the city limits, affecting property owners and developers alike.