Legal Definitions - statute mile

A statute mile is a standard unit of linear distance, legally defined and primarily used for measurements on land. It is precisely 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards long, as established by statute.

A statute mile is a standard unit of length precisely defined by law, primarily used for measuring distances on land. It is equivalent to 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards. This measurement is the common "mile" referred to in everyday contexts, such as road distances, property boundaries, and land-based travel, distinguishing it from other units like the nautical mile used in maritime and aviation.

Here are some examples of how the term applies:

• Imagine a road sign indicating the distance to the next town. If the sign reads, "Springfield: 15 miles," it is referring to 15 statute miles. This is the standard unit of measurement for distances on roads and highways in countries that use the imperial system, ensuring consistent understanding for drivers and transportation planning.

• When a real estate developer describes the size of a large plot of land, they might state that the property stretches "for a quarter-mile along the riverfront." This measurement refers to a quarter of a statute mile, which is the legally recognized unit for land surveying and property descriptions in many jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy in deeds and land transactions.

• Consider a local community organizing a "fun run" that covers a specific route. If the organizers advertise a "3-mile course" through a park and residential streets, they are referring to a distance of three statute miles. This is the conventional unit for measuring distances in athletic events and general outdoor activities that take place on land.