statute law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “statute law” mean?
Law that is formally written down and enacted by a legislative body, such as Parliament or Congress, as opposed to law that comes from custom or judicial decisions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Law that is formally written down and enacted by a legislative body, such as Parliament or Congress, as opposed to law that comes from custom or judicial decisions.
The complete body of enacted legislation that forms a binding legal system, codified in official texts. It is the primary source of new law in common law jurisdictions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and term are identical, but the sources differ: UK 'Acts of Parliament' vs. US 'Acts of Congress' or 'Statutes at Large'. 'Statute' alone is slightly more common in US legal discourse.
Connotations
Connotes formal authority, written precision, and deliberate political will. In both jurisdictions, it is seen as the clearest expression of democratic law-making.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US legal contexts due to the codified nature of many state and federal laws; in the UK, the term 'Act' is often used synonymously.
Grammar
How to Use “statute law” in a Sentence
[statute law] + [verb: overrides/governs/takes precedence over] + [common law/case law][This/That] + [is governed by/determined by] + [statute law]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “statute law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The right was later statutorily codified.
American English
- Congress statutorily mandated the new procedure.
adverb
British English
- The duty is imposed statutorily.
American English
- The agency was created statutorily.
adjective
British English
- This is a statutory requirement under the 2010 Act.
American English
- You have a statutory right to a hearing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new employment rights are enshrined in statute law, so all companies must comply.
Academic
The shift from common law principles to comprehensive statute law marks a significant evolution in the legal system.
Everyday
I'm not sure; I think there might be a statute law about that – you'd need to check the official government website.
Technical
The doctrine of precedent yields where a later statute law expressly contradicts it.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “statute law”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “statute law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “statute law”
- Using 'statue law' (incorrect spelling). Using it as a countable noun: 'a statute law' is rare; 'a statute' or 'statute law' (uncountable) is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Statutory law' is slightly more common in the US, while 'statute law' is used in both the UK and US.
No. Judges interpret statute law, but only the legislative body (Parliament/Congress) can create, amend, or repeal it.
Common law or case law, which is law developed by judges through decisions in individual cases.
No. A bill is a proposed piece of legislation. It only becomes statute law (an Act/Statute) when it is passed by the legislature and receives formal assent.
Law that is formally written down and enacted by a legislative body, such as Parliament or Congress, as opposed to law that comes from custom or judicial decisions.
Statute law is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Statute law: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃuːt lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃuːt lɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A creature of statute”
- “Black-letter law (related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think STATUE: a statute law is like a formal, carved-in-stone rule made by the state.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A CONSTRUCTED OBJECT (Statute law is 'enacted', 'built', 'codified', 'amended', 'repealed').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source of statute law in the United Kingdom?