What is statutory law?

Statutory law refers to laws that are enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress at the federal level or state legislatures at the state level. These laws are formally written and codified, meaning they are organized into statutes that can be referenced and enforced. Unlike common law, which is developed through court rulings and precedents, statutory law provides clear and concise legal standards that are enacted through a legislative process involving proposals, debates, and votes.

This type of law is essential for creating order and addressing specific issues directly through legislation, allowing for precise regulations and guidelines that govern behavior within society. For instance, laws regarding criminal conduct, taxation, and business operations are typically established through statutory law.

The other options highlight different sources of law but do not define statutory law accurately. Court precedents pertain to common law, customary laws derive from societal traditions, and laws defined by international treaties involve agreements between countries rather than domestic statutory enactments.