What is the definition of Statute Law?

Statute law refers specifically to laws that have been formally enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. These laws, often called statutes, are written and codified, making them accessible and applicable to the public. The key aspect of statute law is that it has gone through a defined legislative process, which often includes proposal, debate, and approval before becoming enforceable.

In contrast, commonly established regulations may derive from practices or traditions that have emerged over time, rather than being officially codified. Guidelines issued by legal authorities can inform practices but do not carry the same legal weight as statutes. Lastly, laws that are not legally binding do not possess the enforceability characteristic of statute law, which is designed specifically to govern conduct and provide a legal framework within which individuals and entities must operate. Thus, the definition provided by the first option accurately captures the essence of statute law.