What is a statute?

A statute is defined as a written law that has been enacted by a legislative body. This means that it is a formal rule or regulation that is established through the legislative process and is meant to govern conduct within a specific jurisdiction. Statutes are typically organized and codified in a systematic way to create a comprehensive legal framework.

Unlike cases decided by a court, which interpret the law and set precedents, a statute itself is the source of law. While common procedures in trials refer to established practices and judicial protocols that courts follow, they do not represent laws but rather the methods of enforcing or applying those laws. A governor's decree may carry the weight of law, particularly in certain contexts, but it is not the same as a statute because it is often an executive action rather than a legislative creation.

Therefore, the definition of a statute as a written law enacted by the legislature correctly captures its fundamental characteristics and roles within the legal system.