statute

/'stætju:t/
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statute

A new statute is displayed in the law library.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A law enacted by a legislative body: A formal written rule or regulation established by a government's law-making institution, such as a parliament or congress.
    • A permanent rule established by an institution: A written regulation governing the conduct of members within a specific organization or community.
  2. Adjective:

    • Enacted, created, or regulated by statute: Pertaining to or established by a formal legislative act. This usage is often found in legal terminology.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • The new statute prohibits the use of plastic bags. (The new law passed by the legislature prohibits the use of plastic bags.)
    • The university's statutes outline the rights and responsibilities of faculty. (The university's formal regulations outline the rights and responsibilities of faculty.)
  • Adjective:

    • Statute law often takes precedence over common law in this jurisdiction. (Law created by legislative acts often takes precedence over judge-made law in this jurisdiction.)
    • They have a statute obligation to report the incident. (They have a legally mandated obligation, based on a written law, to report the incident.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To be on the statute book": To be officially enacted and recorded as a law.

    • This anti-discrimination law has been on the statute book for over a decade. (This law has been officially part of the body of laws for over ten years.)
  • "By statute": As required or defined by a formal law.

    • The minimum wage is set by statute. (The minimum wage is established through a legislative act.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Statutory (adj): Required, permitted, or enacted by statute.

    • Landlords have a statutory duty to ensure the property is safe. (Landlords have a duty required by law to ensure safety.)
  • Codify (v): To arrange laws or rules into a systematic code, often resulting in statute law.

  • Legislation (n): The process of making or enacting laws; laws collectively.
Synonyms
  • Law: A rule established by authority.
  • Act: A formal decision or law made by a legislative body.
  • Ordinance: A piece of legislation, often at a local government level.
  • Enactment: The process of passing a law; the law itself.
Related Phrases
  • Statute of limitations: A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

    • The statute of limitations for filing that lawsuit has expired. (The legally defined time limit for starting that lawsuit has passed.)
  • Statute mile: A unit of distance defined by law (e.g., 5,280 feet), also known as a land mile.

    • The sign indicates the next town is five statute miles away.
statute

A new statute is displayed in the law library.

Adjective
  1. enacted by a legislative body
    • statute law
    • codified written laws
Noun
  1. an act passed by a legislative body