statutory law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “statutory law” mean?
Law that is created and enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and formally written down.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Law that is created and enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and formally written down.
The entire body of written laws formally passed by a legislative authority, as distinct from common law (based on judicial precedent) or regulations created by executive agencies. It forms the primary, codified source of law in many legal systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is identical in both jurisdictions, as both are common law systems that recognise statute as a primary source. The term 'statute' itself is more frequently used than 'statutory law' in everyday legal discourse in the UK.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation; both imply formal, binding rules created by the sovereign legislative body.
Frequency
The phrase is marginally more common in American legal English, where the explicit contrast between 'statutory law', 'common law', and 'administrative law' is frequently drawn. In the UK, 'legislation' or 'Act of Parliament' are often preferred synonyms.
Grammar
How to Use “statutory law” in a Sentence
[Subject] is governed by statutory law.The [Legal Principle] derives from statutory law.Parliament/Congress enacted statutory law to [Purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “statutory law” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The statutory law provisions are clear.
- They sought a statutory law interpretation.
American English
- The statutory law requirements are federal.
- This falls under statutory law authority.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company's data protection policies must align with current statutory law.
Academic
Her thesis analyses the interplay between statutory law and judicial interpretation in the 19th century.
Everyday
There's a statutory law that says you must wear a seatbelt. (Simplified explanation)
Technical
The court's role is to apply the statutory law as written, resorting to legislative intent only where the text is ambiguous.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “statutory law”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “statutory law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “statutory law”
- Using 'statutory law' to refer to any government rule (including minor regulations).
- Confusing it with 'constitutional law', which is a higher, foundational form of statutory law.
- Misspelling as 'statutary' or 'statuary' (the latter means 'related to statues').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An 'act' or 'statute' is a single piece of legislation. 'Statutory law' refers to the entire collective body of all such enacted laws.
In most legal systems, statutory law takes precedence over common law. If a statute explicitly changes or overrules a common law principle, the statute must be followed.
No. Judges interpret statutory law and can declare it unconstitutional or in conflict with higher laws, but they cannot directly change or rewrite it. Only the legislative body can amend or repeal a statute.
No. Statutory law covers all areas regulated by legislation, including civil law (e.g., contract, property), administrative law, and criminal law. Criminal codes are one important subset of statutory law.
Law that is created and enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, and formally written down.
Statutory law is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Statutory law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃət(ə)ri ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃəˌtɔri ˈlɔ/ or /ˈstætʃəˌtɔri ˈlɑ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The letter of the law (often referring to statutory interpretation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STATUE - it's fixed, permanent, and formally erected. STATUTORY LAW is similarly fixed, permanent, and formally 'erected' (enacted) by the government.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A STRUCTURE/BLUEPRINT (Statutory law provides the foundational framework that society is built upon.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of statutory law?