statute
STATCH-oot
/ˈstætʃ.uːt/
A formal written law passed by a parliament or legislative body.
Refers strictly to enacted legislation, distinct from judicial common law rulings.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'statutum', meaning 'that which is established', from 'statuere' (to set up/stand). A statute is a rule set down permanently in written law.
Word relationships
- enactment: Enactment refers to the act of passing the law; statute refers to the resulting written legal text.
- common law: Law established through court judge precedent rather than written legislative statutes.
Commonly confused with
- statue: A statue is a carved physical sculpture; a statute is a written legislative law.
Word family
- statutory (adjective): Enacted or dictated by written statute.
Collocations
- statute of limitations
- statutory obligation
- federal statute
Idioms & expressions
- statute of limitations
Example sentences
- "The lawsuit was dismissed because the claim fell outside the statute of limitations." Federal court ruling
- "Congress passed a statutory law setting strict limits on commercial industrial pollution." Legislative reform
Memory hook
A STATUTE is a LAW SET in stone. Written legislative law.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'statue' (carved sculpture) or 'stature' (height or reputation).
Fun facts
- The phrase 'statute of limitations' creates a legal deadline after which criminal charges or civil lawsuits cannot be brought.
Related words
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