Legal Definitions - statute law

Statute law, also known as statutory law, refers to written laws formally enacted by a legislative body, such as a national parliament, a state legislature, or a city council. These laws are codified, meaning they are organized and recorded in official documents, and they establish rules, rights, and obligations for individuals and organizations within a specific jurisdiction. Unlike common law, which develops from judicial decisions and precedents, statute law originates directly from the legislative process.

• Example 1: Environmental Protection Regulations

  Imagine a country's legislature passes a comprehensive law called the "Clean Air Act." This act sets specific limits on the amount of pollutants industries can release into the atmosphere, mandates the use of certain emission control technologies, and establishes penalties for non-compliance. This "Clean Air Act" is an example of statute law because it is a written rule created and formally enacted by the legislative branch of government to regulate environmental conduct and protect public health.

• Example 2: Minimum Wage Legislation

  A state government enacts a law that establishes a statewide minimum wage, specifying the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay their employees. This law also includes provisions for annual adjustments based on inflation. This minimum wage regulation is a form of statute law, as it is a written rule passed by the state's elected representatives to define labor standards and ensure fair compensation for workers.

• Example 3: Copyright Protection

  The federal government passes a law, such as the "Copyright Act," which grants creators of original works (like books, music, or software) exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their creations for a certain period. This act also outlines the procedures for registering copyrights and the remedies available for infringement. This "Copyright Act" is a clear instance of statute law, as it is a formal, written law established by Congress to protect intellectual property rights and foster creativity.