Legal Definitions - STAT

STAT. is an abbreviation for STATUTE.

A statute is a formal written law enacted by a legislative body, such as a national parliament, state legislature, or city council. These laws are created through a specific legislative process, debated, voted upon, and then signed into law by an executive official (like a president or governor). Statutes establish rules, rights, and obligations for individuals and organizations within a particular jurisdiction, covering a vast range of topics from criminal behavior to environmental protection and business regulation. They are a primary source of law, distinct from judicial decisions (case law) or administrative regulations.

• Example 1: Imagine the U.S. Congress passes a new law called the "National Cybersecurity Protection Act." This act outlines requirements for federal agencies and certain private companies to safeguard digital information against cyber threats.

  Explanation: This "National Cybersecurity Protection Act" is a statute because it is a formal written law created and enacted by a legislative body (Congress) through the established legislative process, setting specific rules and obligations for various entities.

• Example 2: A state legislature in California passes a law mandating that all new residential construction must include solar panels, effective starting next year.

  Explanation: This new requirement for solar panels is a statute. It is a written law passed by the California state legislature, defining a specific building code and obligation for property developers within that state's jurisdiction.

• Example 3: A city council in Portland, Oregon, votes to approve an ordinance (a type of local law) that prohibits the use of single-use plastic bags by retail businesses, aiming to reduce waste.

  Explanation: This city ordinance banning plastic bags functions as a local statute. It is a formal written rule enacted by a legislative body (the city council) that establishes a new regulation for businesses within the city's boundaries.