Understanding Statute Law
Statute law, also known as legislated law, is a formal written law created by a government body or authority. These laws are enacted by a legislative body and are considered primary sources of law. Statute law may address a wide range of issues, from criminal offenses to contract regulations.
Characteristics of Statute Law
- Authoritative: Statute law is created by a recognized legislative body and carries legal authority.
- Codified: Statute law is written down and organized into codes or acts for easy reference.
- Enforceable: Statute law is enforceable through the legal system, with penalties for non-compliance.
Examples of Statute Law
Some common examples of statute law include traffic laws, tax laws, and criminal laws. For instance, the Control of Pollution Act 1974 in the UK is a statute law that regulates pollution control measures.
Case Studies
In a landmark case, Roe v. Wade in the United States, statute law was interpreted to uphold a woman’s right to choose abortion under the Constitution’s right to privacy.
Statistics on Statute Law
According to a survey conducted by the World Bank, 90% of countries worldwide have a written statute law system in place, indicating the widespread use and importance of legislated laws.
