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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Law and Statute?

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The difference between a law and a statute lies in their definitions and how they are created. Both laws and statutes are rules or systems of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality. However, there are some distinctions between the two:

  • Law: A law is a general term that refers to a rule or a system of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality.
  • Statute: A statute, also known as an act, is a written law enacted by a legislative body, such as Congress or a state legislature. Statutes are laws passed by the legislative branch of government, and they are published in a text according to the session of the legislature that enacted them into law.

In summary, the main difference between a law and a statute is that a statute is a specific type of law that is written and enacted by a legislative body, while a law is a broader term that encompasses all rules and systems of rules that regulate conduct and can be enforced by a country, state, or municipality.

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  • What is the Difference Between Law and Statute?
  • Comparative Table: Law vs Statute

    • Comparative Table: Law vs Statute

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between law and statute:

    Feature Law Statute
    Definition Law is a system of rules and guidelines that are enforced by governmental institutions. A statute is a specific type of law in which a legislative entity writes down and passes the law to be recognized by authoritative governing bodies.
    Creation Laws are created by legislative bodies, such as Congress or state legislators. Statutes are laws written and enacted by the legislative branch of government, such as the U.S. Congress or state legislators.
    Nature Laws can be based on common law (judge-made law) or statutory law (legislature-made law). Statutory laws are written laws passed by the legislature and government of a country.
    Basis Common law is based on judgments made in the past over hundreds of years. Statutory laws have statutes as their basis.
    Origin Law originates from precedent or the judiciary. Statutory laws originate from the government or legislature.
    Operational Level Laws can be procedural or substantive. Statutory laws are substantive.
    Application Decisions of higher courts rule over lower courts and earlier cases. Statutory laws are already written and need just to be applied to a specific case.

    In summary, laws are a broader concept that encompasses both common law and statutory law, while statutes are a specific type of law written and enacted by legislative bodies. Laws can be based on precedent or legislation, and they can be procedural or substantive. Statutory laws, on the other hand, are always substantive and originate from the government or legislature.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.