Understanding Statutory Law
Statutory law is the written law passed by the legislative body. It is different from common law, which is developed by judges through decisions in court cases. Statutory law governs a wide range of areas such as criminal, civil, family, and business law.
Examples of Statutory Law
One common example of statutory law is the speed limit on highways. This law is passed by the legislative body and enforced by law enforcement officers. Another example is the minimum age requirement to purchase alcohol, set by state statutes.
Case Studies on Statutory Law
In a landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court overturned the statutory law of separate but equal education, ruling that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Statistics on Statutory Law
According to the United States Code, there are over 50 titles covering a wide range of statutory law, from agriculture to veterans affairs. Each title contains numerous chapters and sections that outline specific laws and regulations.