Statutes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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statutes
[ˈstætʃuːts ]
Definitions
legal system
Written laws enacted by a legislative body. Statutes are the primary source of law in many legal systems.
Synonyms
laws, legislation, regulations.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| statutes |
Statutes refer to written laws that have been enacted by a legislative body. They are permanent rules set by a government.
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| laws |
Laws are broad terms for rules established by a government or authority that must be followed by members of society. They can be written or unwritten.
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| legislation |
Legislation refers to the process of making or enacting laws. It also can refer to the laws that have been passed by a legislative body.
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| regulations |
Regulations are specific rules or directives made and maintained by an authority to manage or govern behavior. They are often detailed provisions deriving from broader laws.
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Examples of usage
- According to the statutes, all citizens must pay taxes.
- The new statute prohibits smoking in public places.
religious context
A formal written enactment of a religious law.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| statutes |
Statutes are formal written laws enacted by a legislative body at the federal or state level. They are used in legal contexts to describe official laws and regulations.
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| canon |
Canon typically refers to a set of principles or rules, especially those that are religious or literary in nature. It is used when talking about official, widely accepted principles or the collection of works considered authoritative in certain fields or religions.
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| ordinance |
An ordinance is a law or regulation put forth by a municipal government, such as a city or town council. Ordinances are used to govern local matters like zoning, parking, and public safety.
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| decree |
A decree is an official order issued by a legal authority, often used in the context of rulings by a ruler, a court, or an executive authority. Decrees typically have immediate legal force.
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Examples of usage
- This statute governs the conduct of members of the church.
- The statue outlines the rules and regulations for the religious community.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Framework
- Statutes are different from common law, which is made by judges through court decisions.
- Each country has its own set of statutes, which can vary widely based on cultural and political contexts.
Historical Context
- One of the oldest known statutes is the Code of Hammurabi from ancient Babylon, dating back to around 1754 BC.
- In the UK, the Statute of Westminster (1931) established legislative independence for Dominions.
Government Structure
- Statutes are typically passed by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, after extensive discussion and voting.
- Once enacted, statutes can often be amended or repealed, allowing laws to evolve over time.
Impact on Society
- Statutes can cover a wide range of issues, from criminal law to environmental protections, ensuring societal order.
- Laws like civil rights statutes have been crucial in shaping modern society by protecting individual freedoms.
Origin of 'statutes'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'statute' comes from the Latin 'statutum', which means 'to set up or establish'.
- In English, it was first recorded in the late 13th century, reflecting the legal practices of that time.
The word 'statutes' originated from the Latin word 'statutum', meaning 'a law made by a legislator'. It has been used in legal contexts for centuries to refer to written laws enacted by a governing body. Statutes play a crucial role in shaping the legal framework of societies and are essential for maintaining order and justice.
See also: statutory.