Legal Definitions - statutable

Statutable describes something that is either established, required, permitted, or regulated by a written law (a statute). It can also refer to an action or condition that meets the specific standards or requirements set forth in a statute, or an offense for which a statute prescribes a punishment.

Here are some examples to illustrate this term:

• Imagine a city ordinance (a type of statute) that mandates all new commercial buildings must include a certain percentage of green space on their property. The requirement for this green space would be considered statutable because it is explicitly prescribed by a written law.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the first meaning of "statutable," where something is required or prescribed by a statute. The green space is not optional; it's a legal mandate.

• Consider a toy manufacturer producing items for young children. There are federal laws (statutes) that set strict safety standards for toys, such as limits on lead content or the size of small parts to prevent choking hazards. If a toy successfully passes all these tests and meets every legal requirement, its compliance with these standards would be described as statutable.

  Explanation: This demonstrates the second meaning, where something conforms to legislative requirements. The toy's safety features are "statutable" because they meet the specific quality and safety benchmarks set by law.

• If an individual is caught shoplifting from a store, their act is considered a statutable offense. This is because laws (statutes) exist that define shoplifting as a crime and specify the potential penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, for those found guilty.

  Explanation: This example highlights the third meaning, referring to an offense punishable by law. Shoplifting is "statutable" because a statute outlines it as an illegal act and dictates the legal consequences.