Define: Statutory Law

Statutory Law
Statutory Law
Quick Summary of Statutory Law

Statutory law in the UK refers to laws that are passed by Parliament and formally written and codified into statutes or acts. These laws are the primary source of legislation and cover various aspects of legal regulation, including criminal law, civil law, administrative law, and regulatory law. Statutory law is binding and must be followed by individuals, organizations, and government entities within the UK. It includes acts such as the Human Rights Act 1998, the Companies Act 2006, and the Equality Act 2010, among others. Statutory law is subject to interpretation and application by courts, and it may be amended or repealed by subsequent legislation passed by Parliament.

What is the dictionary definition of Statutory Law?
Dictionary Definition of Statutory Law

Statutory law or statute law is written law passed by a body of the legislature.

Full Definition Of Statutory Law

Statutory law is law which is created and passed by the legislature as opposed to common law or constitutional law. Statutory laws are codified and written and help to differentiate between case law which is created by precedents over time by judges deciding cases and laws which are adopted by the governing bodies such as the state and federal legislatures. The ability of the governing bodies to enact laws is outlined in the Constitution, which allows the legislative branch of the state and federal government to make laws regulating certain issues.

Statutory laws and case law govern in conjunction with each other. They are, however, often open to some interpretation. If a statute is challenged the court may be able to help interpret it. There are certain basic rules of interpretation, much of which is found in legislative history to interpret the statute.

Federal statutory laws can be public or private. Public laws relate to the general public, while private laws relate to specific institutions or individuals. Most of the laws passed by Congress are public laws. Laws are organized by subject, indexed, and published in the United States Code. The United States Code consists of 50 separately numbered titles.

Statutory Law FAQ'S

Statutory law refers to laws enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, as opposed to laws created by judges (common law) or derived from custom and tradition (common law).

The purpose of statutory law is to create, define, and regulate legal rights, obligations, and procedures within a jurisdiction, providing clarity and consistency in the application of the law.

Examples of statutory laws include criminal codes, traffic laws, tax laws, property laws, employment laws, environmental laws, and consumer protection laws, among others.

Statutory laws are created through the legislative process, which involves the introduction, debate, amendment, and enactment of bills by a legislative body, followed by approval by the executive branch (e.g., the president or governor) and implementation by government agencies.

Yes, statutory laws can be amended, repealed, or replaced through subsequent legislative action, reflecting changing societal values, needs, and priorities, as well as judicial interpretation and application.

Statutory laws may coexist with common law principles, constitutional law, administrative regulations, and international treaties, with each source of law contributing to the overall legal framework within a jurisdiction.

In many legal systems, statutory laws are considered primary sources of law and take precedence over conflicting common law principles or administrative regulations, although they must still comply with constitutional provisions and principles.

Statutory laws are enforced by government agencies, law enforcement officers, and the courts, who have the authority to investigate alleged violations, prosecute offenders, and adjudicate disputes in accordance with the applicable statutes.

Yes, statutory laws can be challenged in court if they are alleged to be unconstitutional, inconsistent with higher-ranking laws, or if there are procedural irregularities in their enactment or enforcement.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 28th March, 2024.

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