What are statutory laws?

Statutory laws are rules and regulations that are enacted by a legislative body, such as Congress or a state legislature. These laws are written and codified, meaning they are formally drafted and recorded in legal codes. Statutory law is distinct from other sources of law, such as case law, which is developed through judicial decisions or interpretations by courts, and does not involve the legislative process.

The process of creating statutory law involves several steps, including proposals, committee reviews, debates, and voting by elected representatives. Once approved, these laws become part of the legal framework governing society and address specific issues or circumstances.

In contrast, international laws govern the relations between countries and are not created by a single national legislative body. Constitutional amendments, while significant and legally binding, are specific changes to a country’s constitution and not the broader category of statutes created for regulating ongoing matters. Therefore, the defining characteristic of statutory laws is their foundation in legislative enactments, making the option referencing their enactment by a legislative body the correct choice.