What defines statutory laws?

Statutory laws are defined as laws that are written and enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress at the federal level or state legislatures at the state level. These laws are created through a formal process that involves drafting, debating, and voting on proposed legislation. Once passed, statutory laws are codified and can be referenced and enforced in a consistent manner. This legal framework allows for clarity and structure within the legal system, as these laws are publicly documented and accessible.

In contrast, laws established through judicial interpretation rely on court rulings that clarify or interpret statutes, rather than creating new laws. Similarly, laws derived from executive orders are issued by a government executive, such as a president or governor, and do not come from a legislative process. Lastly, laws based on customary practices are not formalized in written statutes but arise from traditions and social norms, differing fundamentally from the formal nature of statutory laws.