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

His opponents say Congress didn’t intend the law to authorize tariffs, noting that numerous other statutes do—for example, to address the trade deficit or unfair trading practices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The statute doesn't use the word tariffs," said Chief Justice John Roberts, and imposing tariffs is equivalent to taxation, which has always been a "core power of Congress".

Read more on Barron's

And, Gorsuch added, the Supreme Court should be wary about interpreting a statute to delegate so much power, because it would be difficult for Congress to get that power back.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The statute doesn’t use the word tariff,” Roberts said.

Read more on Salon

"The statute doesn't use the word tariffs," said Chief Justice John Roberts, and imposing tariffs is equivalent to taxation, which has always been a "core power of Congress."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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