Statute vs. Ordinance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Statutes are laws passed by the legislative branch of government at the federal or state level, while ordinances are regulations established by local government entities.
Difference Between Statute and Ordinance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Statutes are formal written laws enacted by a legislative body at the national or state level, aiming to prescribe or prohibit behaviors. These laws are broad in scope and apply to the general population within the jurisdiction of the legislative body that enacted them. On the other hand, ordinances are laws or regulations passed by municipal or county governments. They are designed to address issues specific to the local area they govern, such as zoning, noise control, and public safety.
Statutes often establish the legal framework within which society operates, setting standards and principles that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations. They can cover a wide range of topics, from criminal law to environmental protection. Ordinances, whereas, tend to be more focused on local concerns and can be more detailed in regulating everyday activities within a community, like pet leash laws or building codes.
The process of enacting statutes involves several stages, including proposal, discussion, modification, and approval by a state or national legislative body. This process is generally more formal and can be lengthy, reflecting the broad impact of statutes. Conversely, the enactment of ordinances typically involves a simpler process through local government councils or boards, allowing for quicker responses to local issues.
Statutes are subject to judicial review and must comply with the constitution of the country or state. This ensures that statutes do not infringe on fundamental rights and freedoms. Ordinances must not only comply with the local charter but also with overarching statutes and the constitution, ensuring that local laws do not contradict higher laws.
Enforcement of statutes is typically the responsibility of government agencies and the police, who ensure compliance with laws on a wide scale. Ordinances are enforced by local authorities, such as city police or municipal agencies, focusing on ensuring adherence to local regulations.
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Comparison Chart
Level of Government
National or state
Local (municipal or county)
Scope
Broad, affecting a wide population
Narrow, focusing on local issues
Enactment Process
Formal and lengthy, involving legislative bodies
Simpler, often through local councils or boards
Compliance
Subject to judicial review, must comply with the constitution
Must comply with local charter, statutes, and the constitution
Enforcement
By government agencies and the police
By local authorities, such as city police or municipal agencies
Compare with Definitions
Statute
A law enacted by the legislative branch of a government.
The new statute prohibits texting while driving.
Ordinance
A local law or regulation.
The city council passed an ordinance limiting noise after 10 p.m.
Statute
A written rule or formal regulation.
Statutes governing tax filings are updated annually.
Ordinance
A rule established by a municipal authority.
The new ordinance requires all pets to be leashed in public parks.
Statute
Legislation that applies at a national or state level.
The federal statute addresses national security concerns.
Ordinance
A decree or directive from a local government body.
The ordinance was enacted to improve public safety.
Statute
A permanent formal document of a legislative decision.
The statute is recorded in the official legal code.
Ordinance
A local law that addresses specific community needs.
The recycling ordinance aims to reduce local environmental impact.
Statute
A codified law passed by a legislative body.
The statute was amended to include cyber crimes.
Ordinance
Legislation that is applicable within a specific local jurisdiction.
The parking ordinances have been updated to reflect new zoning requirements.
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.
Ordinance
An authoritative command or order.
Statute
A law enacted by a legislature.
Ordinance
A custom or practice established by long usage.
Statute
A decree or edict, as of a ruler.
Ordinance
A Christian rite, especially the Eucharist.
Statute
Written law, as laid down by the legislature.
Ordinance
A statute or regulation, especially one enacted by a municipal government.
Statute
An act of a corporation or of its founder, intended as a permanent rule or law; as, the statutes of a university.
Ordinance
(US) A local law, passed by e.g. a city.
Statute
An assemblage of farming servants (held possibly by statute) for the purpose of being hired; - called also statute fair.
Ordinance
An edict or decree, authoritative order.
Statute
An act passed by a legislative body
Ordinance
(England) Prior to the Third English Civil War, a decree of Parliament.
Statute
Enacted by a legislative body;
Statute law
Codified written laws
Ordinance
Detailed legislation that translates the broad principles of the university's charter and statutes into practical effect.
Ordinance
(Hong Kong) A law enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Ordinance
A temporary law promulgated by the president on the recommendation of the cabinet.
Ordinance
A religious practice or ritual prescribed by a church.
Ordinance
(proscribed) ordnance.
Ordinance
Orderly arrangement; preparation; provision.
They had made their ordinanceOf victual, and of other purveyance.
Ordinance
A rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action; a statute, law, regulation, rescript, or accepted usage; an edict or decree; esp., a local law enacted by a municipal government; as, a municipal ordinance.
Thou wilt die by God's just ordinance.
By custom and the ordinance of times.
Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Ordinance
An established rite or ceremony.
Ordinance
Rank; order; station.
Ordinance
Ordnance; cannon.
Ordinance
An authoritative rule
Ordinance
A statute enacted by a city government
Ordinance
The act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders;
The rabbi's family was present for his ordination
Common Curiosities
Who enacts ordinances?
Ordinances are enacted by local government bodies, like city councils.
Who enacts statutes?
Statutes are enacted by state or national legislative bodies.
Can an ordinance contradict a statute?
No, ordinances must comply with overarching statutes and the constitution.
What is an ordinance?
An ordinance is a regulation established by a local government entity, such as a city or county.
How are statutes enforced?
Statutes are enforced by government agencies and the police at the state or national level.
What is a statute?
A statute is a law passed by the legislative branch of a government at the federal or state level.
How are ordinances enforced?
Ordinances are enforced by local authorities, like city police or municipal agencies.
Do statutes apply to everyone within a jurisdiction?
Yes, statutes apply broadly to individuals and organizations within the enacting jurisdiction.
Do ordinances have the same legal weight as statutes?
Ordinances have legal authority within their local jurisdiction but do not supersede statutes or federal laws.
How do statutes differ from ordinances in terms of scope?
Statutes have a broad scope, affecting larger populations, while ordinances focus on local community issues.
Can an ordinance be overturned?
Yes, ordinances can be overturned if they are found to be in conflict with higher laws or through local governmental action.
Are statutes subject to judicial review?
Yes, statutes are subject to judicial review to ensure they comply with the constitution.
What areas do ordinances typically cover?
Ordinances typically cover local issues such as zoning, public safety, and noise control.
Can a statute be amended?
Yes, statutes can be amended by the same legislative process through which they were enacted.
What role do courts play in interpreting statutes and ordinances?
Courts interpret statutes and ordinances to resolve disputes, ensure they comply with higher laws, and apply them to specific cases.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-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.
