Statute vs. Statutory

Attribute	Statute	Statutory
Definition	A written law passed by a legislative body	Relating to or created by a statute
Origin	Derived from Latin "statutum" meaning "a law"	Derived from Latin "statutum" meaning "a law"
Legislative Authority	Created by a legislative body	Related to or governed by a statute
Legal Force	Has the force of law	Relating to laws enacted by a legislature

Definition

Statute and statutory are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings in the legal world. A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative body, whether it be a federal, state, or local government. It is a law that has been formally passed by a legislative body and signed into law by an executive branch. On the other hand, statutory refers to something that is related to or created by a statute. It is often used to describe things that are regulated or governed by statutes.

Legislative Process

When it comes to the legislative process, statutes are the end result of the process. They are the laws that have been passed by a legislative body after going through the necessary steps, such as drafting, debating, amending, and voting. Statutes are then signed into law by an executive branch, such as the president or governor. On the other hand, statutory refers to anything that is created or regulated by statutes. This can include regulations, rules, or procedures that are established based on the statutes.

Scope of Application

Statutes have a broad scope of application, as they are laws that apply to everyone within the jurisdiction of the legislative body that passed them. They are binding on all individuals, businesses, and organizations within that jurisdiction. Statutory, on the other hand, refers to things that are specifically governed by statutes. This can include specific industries, professions, or activities that are regulated by statutes. Statutory provisions may only apply to a certain group of people or entities, rather than the general public.

Interpretation

When it comes to interpretation, statutes are the primary source of law that courts look to when resolving legal disputes. Courts will interpret statutes based on their plain meaning, legislative history, and intent. Statutory, on the other hand, refers to things that are created or regulated by statutes. This can include regulations, rules, or procedures that are established based on the statutes. Courts may look to statutory provisions to help interpret the meaning of a statute or to determine how it should be applied in a specific situation.

Enforcement

Statutes are enforced by government agencies, law enforcement, and the courts. Violations of statutes can result in fines, penalties, or even imprisonment. Statutory, on the other hand, refers to things that are created or regulated by statutes. This can include regulations, rules, or procedures that are established based on the statutes. Enforcement of statutory provisions may be carried out by government agencies or regulatory bodies that are responsible for overseeing compliance with the statutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while statute and statutory are related terms in the legal world, they have distinct meanings and applications. Statutes are formal laws that have been passed by a legislative body and signed into law by an executive branch. They have a broad scope of application and are the primary source of law that courts look to when resolving legal disputes. Statutory, on the other hand, refers to things that are created or regulated by statutes. This can include regulations, rules, or procedures that are established based on the statutes. Understanding the differences between statute and statutory is important for anyone working in the legal field or dealing with legal issues.