A statute is a specific, written law enacted by a government legislature.
30秒でわかる単語
- A formal written law created by a legislative body.
- It differs from judicial rulings or executive orders.
- Statutes form the foundation of most modern legal systems.
Overview
A statute is a fundamental legal instrument. Unlike common law, which is developed through court decisions and judicial precedents, a statute is created by elected representatives in a legislative assembly. Once a bill passes through the required parliamentary stages and receives executive approval, it becomes a statute, officially entering the body of law.
Usage Patterns
The word is primarily used in legal, political, and academic contexts. You will often see it used with verbs like 'enact,' 'pass,' 'repeal,' or 'violate.' It refers specifically to the written document of the law itself, rather than the abstract concept of justice or morality. In plural form, 'statutes' refers to the entire collection of laws governing a jurisdiction.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in news reporting regarding government proceedings, in legal textbooks, and in courtroom settings. For example, a lawyer might argue that a particular action is permitted under a specific statute. It is also used in administrative contexts, such as corporate bylaws or the foundational documents of an organization, which may be referred to as statutes.
Similar Words Comparison: While 'law' is a general term for any rule, 'statute' is specific to legislation. A 'regulation' is typically created by an administrative agency to implement a statute. A 'code' is a systematic collection of statutes, and an 'ordinance' is a law passed specifically by a local municipal government, whereas statutes usually apply at the state, provincial, or national level.
例文
The government passed a new statute regarding environmental protection.
everydayThe government passed a new statute regarding environmental protection.
The court ruled that the defendant's actions violated the statute.
formalThe court ruled that the defendant's actions violated the statute.
Each member must adhere to the statutes of the organization.
academicEach member must adhere to the statutes of the organization.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
statutory requirement
a requirement mandated by law
statute of limitations
a law setting a time limit for legal action
よく混同される語
A statue is a physical object, like a sculpture. A statute is an abstract written rule.
An ordinance is a law passed by a city or local council. A statute is usually passed by a state or national legislature.
文法パターン
How to Use It
使い方のコツ
Statute is a formal, high-register noun. It is almost exclusively used in legal, political, or institutional settings. Avoid using it in casual conversation where 'law' or 'rule' would be more natural.
よくある間違い
The most common mistake is spelling it 'statue', which refers to a sculpture. Another error is using it to describe non-legal rules, such as house rules or school policies, which are better described as 'regulations' or 'policies'.
Tips
Use with legislative verbs
Pair statute with verbs like 'enact', 'pass', or 'repeal' to sound more professional. This highlights your understanding of the legislative process.
Do not confuse with statue
A 'statue' is a carved or cast figure of a person or animal. Ensure you include the 't' after the 'a' to avoid a spelling error that changes the meaning entirely.
Statutory Law vs Common Law
In countries like the UK and US, the legal system is a mix of statutes and common law. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping how these countries are governed.
語源
Derived from the Latin word 'statutum,' meaning 'something decided or fixed.' It shares the same root as 'status' and 'statue,' relating to something that stands or is established.
文化的な背景
Statutes are the backbone of democracy, representing the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives. They provide the predictability and stability required for a functioning society.
覚え方のコツ
Statute has a 't' for 'text' because it is a written law. A statue has no 't' in the middle, representing a solid object.
よくある質問
3 問All statutes are laws, but not all laws are statutes. Some laws originate from court rulings or common law, whereas statutes are exclusively created by legislative bodies.
Yes, statutes can be amended or repealed by the same legislative body that created them. This process ensures that laws can evolve to meet the changing needs of society.
You can use it to describe the origin of a rule, such as 'The new statute prohibits the use of plastic bags.' It is a formal term, so it is best used in professional or academic writing.
自分をテスト
The parliament voted to ___ the outdated statute that restricted trade.
To repeal is the formal term for canceling or removing a law.
スコア： /1
Summary
A statute is a specific, written law enacted by a government legislature.
- A formal written law created by a legislative body.
- It differs from judicial rulings or executive orders.
- Statutes form the foundation of most modern legal systems.
Use with legislative verbs
Pair statute with verbs like 'enact', 'pass', or 'repeal' to sound more professional. This highlights your understanding of the legislative process.
Do not confuse with statue
A 'statue' is a carved or cast figure of a person or animal. Ensure you include the 't' after the 'a' to avoid a spelling error that changes the meaning entirely.
Statutory Law vs Common Law
In countries like the UK and US, the legal system is a mix of statutes and common law. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping how these countries are governed.
例文
3 / 3The government passed a new statute regarding environmental protection.
The government passed a new statute regarding environmental protection.
The court ruled that the defendant's actions violated the statute.
The court ruled that the defendant's actions violated the statute.
Each member must adhere to the statutes of the organization.
Each member must adhere to the statutes of the organization.
クイックテスト
The ______ of limitations for this minor crime is only two years.
正解！
正解は： statute
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関連語彙
lawの関連語
bail
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bankruptcy
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burden of proof
A1自分の言ったことが真実だと証明する責任のことです。何かを主張する人は、それを証明しなければなりません。
charge
A1警察や裁判所が、誰かが犯罪を犯したと公式に疑いをかけることだよ。
clause
A1契約書や法律文書の中の、特定の条件や規則を説明する部分のことを条項といいます。
compensation
A1損失や怪我、苦痛などに対する埋め合わせとして支払われる金銭のことです。
compliance
A1Compliance is the act of following a rule, law, or specific order. It is most often used to describe when a person or a company obeys legal requirements or safety standards.
confidentiality
A1Confidentiality means keeping information secret or private. It is a rule that says you cannot tell other people's secrets to anyone else.
conviction
A1裁判で有罪だと確定すること。または、固い信念という意味もあるよ。
copyright
A1作ったもの（本や歌など）を、他の人が勝手にコピーしたり使ったりできないようにする権利のこと。制作者だけが管理できるんだ。
