Statute vs. Legislation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Statutes are specific laws enacted by a legislative body, while legislation encompasses the entire process of law-making, including drafting and enacting statutes.
Difference Between Statute and Legislation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Statutes are written laws formally enacted by the legislative power of a government, typically a parliament or congress. Legislation, on the other hand, refers to the entire process through which government bodies create new laws, including statutes.
A statute is a finalized law that has been passed by a legislative body and formally written down. Legislation includes all activities involved in the drafting, debating, passing, and enacting of laws, making it a broader term.
Once a statute is passed, it becomes a legal requirement that must be followed. Legislation is not just about creating statutes but also includes amendments to existing laws and the formal codification of legal statutes.
Statutes are typically very specific, addressing particular issues or making clear legal standards or prohibitions. Legislation, as a process, can cover a broad range of activities from proposing, discussing, and modifying potential laws to their final enactment.
The term "statute" is often used interchangeably with "act" or "bill," though a bill refers to the proposal before it becomes law. Legislation is a more general term that encompasses not only statutes but also the mechanisms and activities that lead to their creation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific law enacted by a government.
The process of drafting and passing laws.
Scope
Specific and narrow.
Broad, encompassing various stages.
Stages
Finalized form of a law.
Includes drafting, debating, and passing.
Synonyms
Act, law.
Law-making, statutory process.
Dependency
Part of legislation.
Includes creation of statutes.
Compare with Definitions
Statute
A written law passed by a legislative body.
The Freedom of Information Act is an important statute that provides public access to government records.
Legislation
An activity that involves creating laws.
The senator has been active in legislation concerning environmental protection.
Statute
A permanent rule established by an organization or institution.
University statutes dictate the governance of faculty and student relations.
Legislation
The process through which statutes are created.
Legislation is often a lengthy process involving multiple stakeholders.
Statute
A formally enacted rule or regulation.
The statute regarding jaywalking was enacted to increase pedestrian safety.
Legislation
The act of making or enacting laws.
The process of legislation requires careful consideration and debate.
Statute
Law established by an act of the legislature.
The statute was amended to include newer digital privacy concerns.
Legislation
Lawmaking as a function of a governmental body.
Legislation is a primary function of the national congress.
Statute
An established law that has been written and codified.
The environmental protection statutes were introduced in the 1970s.
Legislation
Legislation is law which has been promulgated (or "enacted") by a legislature or other governing body or the process of making it. Before an item of legislation becomes law it may be known as a bill, and may be broadly referred to as "legislation", while it remains under consideration to distinguish it from other business.
Statute
A statute is a formal written enactment of a legislative authority that governs the legal entities of a city, state, or country by way of consent. Typically, statutes command or prohibit something, or declare policy.
Legislation
Laws, considered collectively
Housing legislation
Statute
A law enacted by a legislature.
Legislation
The act or process of legislating; lawmaking.
Statute
A decree or edict, as of a ruler.
Legislation
A proposed or enacted law or group of laws.
Statute
Written law, as laid down by the legislature.
Legislation
The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws.
Pass legislation
There is a lack of legislation about human cloning.
Statute
An act of a corporation or of its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law; as, the statutes of a university.
Legislation
Law which has been enacted by legislature or other governing body
Statute
An assemblage of farming servants (held possibly by statute) for the purpose of being hired; - called also statute fair.
Legislation
The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws; the laws enacted.
Pythagoras joined legislation to his philosophy.
Statute
An act passed by a legislative body
Legislation
Law enacted by a legislative body
Statute
Enacted by a legislative body;
Statute law
Codified written laws
Legislation
The act of making or enacting laws
Common Curiosities
What does legislation refer to?
Legislation refers to the entire process of law-making including drafting, proposing, discussing, and enacting laws.
How is a statute different from legislation?
A statute is a specific, finalized law, whereas legislation is the broader process that includes the creation of such laws.
What is a statute?
A statute is a specific law enacted by a legislative authority.
Can legislation include regulations?
Yes, legislation can include the creation of regulations, which are detailed directives made under the authority of a statute.
Who creates statutes?
Statutes are created by legislative bodies such as parliaments or congresses.
What are the key components of legislation?
Legislation involves drafting, debating, amending, and enacting laws.
Can a statute be changed?
Yes, statutes can be amended or repealed by subsequent statutes.
What role do statutes play in the legal system?
Statutes serve as the basis for legal rules in a country, defining rights, duties, and prohibitions.
Is a statute always a part of legislation?
Yes, statutes are a part of legislation, specifically as the end product of the legislative process.
How does a bill become a statute?
A bill becomes a statute once it is passed by the legislative body and receives formal approval from the head of state or a relevant authority.
Is legislation always initiated by the government?
Legislation can be initiated by government officials, lawmakers, or even by public petition in some cases.
What is the difference between federal and state statutes?
Federal statutes apply nationwide, while state statutes are applicable only within the state boundaries where they were enacted.
Are all laws considered statutes?
Not all laws are statutes; some are regulations or case law, but all statutes are laws.
How are statutes enforced?
Statutes are enforced by governmental agencies and the judiciary.
What happens during the legislation process?
During the legislation process, various proposed laws are debated, possibly amended, and eventually passed or rejected.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
