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

In certain prison camps, up to 80% of residents are confined under Article 228 of the Criminal Code – which bans certain narcotics – nicknamed “the peoples’ statute,” as more citizens are incarcerated for it than any other, many serving over ten year stints for first-time offenses.

From Salon

In a 5-4 decision involving the credit bureau TransUnion in 2021, the court declared that it is not enough for a plaintiff to sue over a defendant’s violation of a federal statute.

From Los Angeles Times

The birthright-citizenship statute enacted by Congress largely mirrors the 14th Amendment and therefore includes the same exceptions.

From Slate

As of 1994, the statute requires student selection through a “random, unbiased process” when a school’s applications exceed enrollment.

From Los Angeles Times

The most comprehensive and recent list of crimes against humanity is found in the 1988 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

From Salon

Related Words

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