What Is Statutory Law?

Statutory law is written law that is passed by a legislature. It is distinguished from common law, which is unwritten law that is developed by judges over time. Statutory law is the primary source of law in most countries, and it covers a wide range of topics, including criminal law, civil law, and administrative law.

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Why Is Statutory Law Important?

Statutory law is important for a number of reasons. www.Lawhints.com/ First, it provides a clear and concise framework for resolving disputes. Second, it helps to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently. Third, it promotes economic growth and development by providing certainty and stability to the legal system.

Examples of Statutory Law

Here are some examples of statutory law:

The Constitution of the United States
Federal statutes, such as the Clean Water Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act
State statutes, such as the Uniform Commercial Code and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Local ordinances, such as zoning laws and building codes

How Statutory Law Is Made

Statutory law is made by the legislative branch of government. The legislative branch is typically composed of two houses: a lower house (such as the House of Representatives in the United States) and an upper house (such as the Senate in the United States).

To pass a law, the legislative branch must first introduce a bill. If the bill is passed by both houses of the legislature, it is then sent to the executive branch for signature. If the executive branch signs the bill, it becomes law.

The Role of Courts in Statutory Law

Courts play an important role in interpreting and applying statutory law. When a court is asked to decide a case, it will first look to the relevant statutes to see if they provide guidance on the issue at hand. If the statutes are clear and unambiguous, the court will apply them as written. However, if the statutes are unclear or ambiguous, the court may have to interpret them.

When interpreting statutes, courts typically consider the following factors:

The plain meaning of the statute
The legislative history of the statute
The purpose of the statute
Other relevant statutes and case law

Conclusion

Statutory law is a vital part of the legal system. It provides a clear and concise framework for resolving disputes, ensures that the law is applied fairly and consistently, and promotes economic growth and development. Courts play an important role in interpreting and applying statutory law.