statute

[stach-oot, -oot]

noun

1. Law.

   1. an enactment made by a legislature and expressed in a formal document.

   2. the document in which such an enactment is expressed.

2. International Law.,  an instrument annexed or subsidiary to an international agreement, as a treaty.

3. a permanent rule established by an organization, corporation, etc., to govern its internal affairs.

statute

/ ˈstætjuːt /

noun

1. 1. an enactment of a legislative body expressed in a formal document

   2. this document

2. a permanent rule made by a body or institution for the government of its internal affairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of statute¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English statut, from Old French estatut, from Late Latin statūtum, noun use of neuter of Latin statūtus “made to stand,” past participle of statuere “to make stand, set up,” verb derivative of status status

Word History and Origins

Origin of statute¹

C13: from Old French estatut , from Late Latin statūtum , from Latin statuere to set up, decree, ultimately from stāre to stand

Example Sentences

The owners eventually moved on to issuing informal and non-official eviction notices to residents, saying they were in violation of myriad statutes, the suit states.

From Los Angeles Times

The judge found that the president had violated a statute that bars members of the military from enforcing civilian laws, although the administration is sure to appeal this ruling.

From Salon

Fiorella’s complaint has gone through several levels of state and federal courts, with most agreeing that the challenge to his conviction was years past the statute of limitations.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency is part of the federal government, but, by statute, it operates independently.

From Salon

“With Paxton, however, he is working with U.S. DOJ to challenge Texas’s own laws. There are no statutes that allow, or even anticipate, this behavior,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

• act 
• bill 
• decree 
• edict 
• measure 
• regulation