statutory law

American  

[stach-oo-tawr-ee law] / ˈstætʃ ʊˌtɔr i ˈlɔ /

noun

1. the written law established by enactments expressing the will of the legislature, as distinguished from the unwritten law or common law.

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statutory law Cultural  

1. A law or group of laws passed by a legislature or other official governing bodies. (Compare common law.)

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Etymology

Origin of statutory law

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Currently, those rights in California were established by statutory law and by court ruling.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2022

However, in a well-functioning democracy, state constitutional and statutory law should reflect the preferences of a state's people.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2022

In 1662, for instance, British statutory law conferred slavery with a biological status: any child born to an enslaved woman would also be a slave.

From Slate • May 18, 2022

Stitt said that although National Guard members are paid by the federal government, he remains their commander in chief under federal and state constitutional and statutory law unless the president orders their mobilization.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

A few minor changes have been made in the State statutory law since 1885.

From The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920 by Various