A statute is a law enacted by legislation. Statutes are formal written laws passed by a legislature, such as Congress or a state legislature, and they become part of the body of binding law once properly enacted.

Statutes are often called acts, and they can create rights, duties, procedures, penalties, or organizational rules for government and private conduct.

Statute Explained

At the federal level, a bill generally must pass both houses of Congress and receive presidential approval before taking effect. Enacted statutes are then published and later codified in sources such as the United States Code.

The Term Statute in Different Legal Contexts

In criminal law, statutes define offenses and penalties. In civil and regulatory law, statutes can govern business conduct, family law, procedure, administrative programs, or substantive rights.

Courts often interpret statutes when disputes arise over wording, scope, or how the law applies to a particular set of facts.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Statute

A common misconception is that every legal rule is a statute. Some rules come from constitutions, regulations, or case law instead.

Another misconception is that once a statute exists, no interpretation is needed. Courts still have to decide how statutory language applies in real disputes.