Statutes: meaning, definitions and examples

Statutes refer to written laws that have been enacted by a legislative body. They are permanent rules set by a government.

• The new tax statutes will be implemented next year

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.

• Everyone must obey the laws that protect citizens' rights

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.

• The new environmental legislation aims to reduce pollution

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.

• The safety regulations require all employees to wear helmets

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.

• The new environmental statutes aim to reduce pollution levels
• Breaking these statutes can result in heavy fines

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.

• The literary canon includes works by Shakespeare and Dickens
• The canons of the church guide the spiritual and administrative practices

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.

• A new parking ordinance has been enacted to reduce congestion in the downtown area
• The city council passed an ordinance requiring all dogs to be on a leash in public parks

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.

• The king issued a decree banning all trade with neighboring countries
• The court's decree must be followed by all parties involved