Definition of statute

The origin of the word "statute" can be traced back to the late 14th century when it was first used in Middle English. The word comes from the Old French "estatut" which itself originated from the Latin "constitutio," meaning "setting up" or "establishment." In medieval England, a statute was a legislative act passed by the king and the Parliament. Initially, such acts were only written to establish royal grants or to confirm existing laws. However, by the 14th century, Parliamentary statutes became more substantial and were written down to ensure greater precision and clarity. As the role of Parliament grew, and the idea of a written constitution emerged, statutes also began to be used more frequently to create new laws or to modify existing ones. Today, a statute is a written rule or law established by a legislative body, such as a Parliament, Congress, or legislative assembly. It is often enacted as part of a larger statutory code and takes precedence over other forms of legal authority, such as case law or common law. In summary, the term "statute" originated from the Middle English word "estatut," which itself derived from the Latin "constitutio" meaning "establishment". It signifies a written legal document or act established by a legislative body, with the power to supersede other legal sources.