What type of law is passed by the U.S. Congress or state legislatures?

Statutory law refers to the body of law that is created and enacted by legislative bodies, such as the U.S. Congress at the federal level or state legislatures at the state level. These laws consist of statutes and codes that are written to address specific issues and can cover a wide range of topics, from criminal justice to business regulations.

When Congress or a state legislature drafts a law, it goes through a legislative process that typically includes proposal, discussion, amendment, and voting before it is signed into law by the President or the governor. This process distinguishes statutory law from other forms of law, such as civil law, which deals primarily with private rights and obligations, or regulatory law, which involves rules established by government agencies to enforce statutory law. Constitutional law, on the other hand, pertains to the interpretation and application of the Constitution itself, rather than statutes created by legislators.

Understanding statutory law is essential for grasping how legal frameworks operate, as statutes form the foundation for the legal standards and obligations that govern society. This type of law is crucial because it provides a clear and organized method for establishing legal responsibilities and rights within a jurisdiction.