What does statute mean?
A statute is a law enacted by a legislative body, such as parliament, congress, or a state legislature. Its use is especially common in legal and political writing, where it distinguishes formally enacted legislation from regulations, administrative rules, and less formal practices. Statutes may be identified by names or section numbers and are often published in an official collection of laws. The term can also refer specifically to the written text of an enacted law, as when lawyers discuss the wording or interpretation of a statute. A statute of limitations, for example, sets a deadline within which a particular legal action must be brought. In ordinary conversation, “law” is usually the broader and more natural choice.
A law enacted by a legislative body.
"The statute took effect at the beginning of the following year."
In legal usage, statute usually refers to legislation rather than rules made by administrative agencies.
The formal written text of an enacted law.
"The court examined the statute to determine how the provision should be applied."
This sense often appears in phrases such as “the wording of the statute” and “statutory interpretation.”
The plural is standard when referring to multiple laws or legislative enactments.
"These statutes protect consumers from unfair contractual terms."
A statute is written into the record by a legislature, making it a law with a formal name, number, and place in the statute books.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does statute come from?
The word statute comes through Old French from Latin statutum, a noun meaning “ordinance” or “decree.” Latin statutum was the past participle of statuere, “to set up, establish, or make standing,” which comes from the same Indo-European root underlying English state, status, station, and static. The English meaning developed to refer first to a formally established rule and later specifically to an enacted law.
Related word forms
How statute is actually used
Statute is primarily a formal legal term. It usually refers to a law passed by a national or state legislature, although in some jurisdictions it can refer to legislation at another governmental level. When contrasted with a regulation, the term usually emphasizes legislative rather than administrative authority.
Easily confused with statute
A statute is generally enacted by a state or national legislative body, whereas an ordinance is typically adopted by a local government or municipal authority.
A statute is a law enacted by a legislature, while a regulation is usually a detailed rule or order issued by an agency authorized to implement a statute.