What does statutory law encompass?

Statutory law encompasses laws that are enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress or state legislatures. These laws are written and formally organized within codes and statutes, which provide a clear framework that governs various aspects of society. By being created through a formal legislative process, statutory laws establish designated regulations and rules that apply within a jurisdiction.

This process includes drafting, proposing, debating, and approving a bill before it becomes law, ensuring that there is legislative intent and oversight. Statutory law is distinct from other forms of law, such as common law, which arises from judicial decisions, and regulatory law, which is created by administrative agencies. Statutory law serves as the primary source of law in many legal systems, providing definitive resolutions to legal issues and promoting public order through codified rules.