What type of law is created by legislative bodies through the passage of laws?

Statutory law is the type of law created by legislative bodies when they pass specific laws or statutes. This form of law is a written law that is enacted by a legislative body, such as a state legislature or the U.S. Congress. Statutory laws are established to govern various aspects of society, addressing issues ranging from criminal behavior to regulatory matters, and are intended to provide clarity and guidance on legal standards and obligations.

The process of enacting statutory law involves drafting a proposal, debating its merits, and voting on it, followed by the signing of the law by the appropriate authority. Once enacted, statutory laws have the force of law and can be enforced by the judicial system. In contrast, common law is developed through court decisions and judicial interpretations over time, rather than through written legislation. Administrative law deals with regulations created by governmental agencies while tort law focuses on civil wrongs that cause harm or loss to individuals. Understanding that statutory law represents the formal, codified law created through a structured legislative process is essential for anyone studying the legal system.