Definition of statute book

The term "statute book" refers to a collection of written laws, enacted by a legislative body, that have the force of law. The word "statute" derives from the Latin statutum, which means established or fixed. A statute is a formal act of a legislative body, passed in the form of a bill, that is approved and signed into law by the higher authority. In ancient times, laws were mostly oral traditions, passed down from generation to generation. However, with the increase in population and complexity of social structures, written laws became necessary. The first known statutory codes were the twelve tablets of ancient Rome (circa 500 BCE), followed by the Code of Justinian in the Byzantine Empire (circa 530 CE). In medieval Europe, laws were often scattered and fragmented, with local customary laws and royal decrees creating confusion. However, with the rise of centralized monarchies, laws were compiled and organized into comprehensive codifications. These collections were known as statute books, and they became the primary sources of law in their respective jurisdictions. Today, the expression "statute book" still refers to the collection of written laws in many common law jurisdictions, including England, Wales, and Australia. These statute books include both general legislation (such as civil law, criminal law, and property law) and specialized legislation (such as company law, tax law, and intellectual property law). The specific organization and formatting of statute books vary by jurisdiction, but they all serve the same crucial purpose of providing a clear and accessible source of law for citizens and legal professionals.