The word "statute" (/ˈstætjuːt/) is spelled with a "t" after the "a" and before the "u". This is because "statute" comes from Latin "statutum", in which the letter "t" follows the vowel "a". The pronunciation of the word is also important to note. The stressed syllable is "stat", which is pronounced with a short "a" sound (/æ/), while the "u" and "e" at the end of the word are silent. Overall, "statute" is a word that is spelled and pronounced in a specific way due to its Latin origin.
A statute is a type of law enacted by a legislative body, typically the governing authority in a country or jurisdiction, which serves as a legally binding rule or regulation. Statutes are official written instructions that establish policies and guidelines to address various aspects of governance, establish rights and obligations, and regulate the behavior of individuals or organizations.
These laws are typically codified and organized into a comprehensive body of statutory law, often called a legal code, which encompasses a wide range of legal areas such as criminal, civil, administrative, and constitutional law. Statutes are created through a prescribed legislative process that involves drafting, debating, and voting on bills by the members of the legislative body.
Statutes provide a framework that helps maintain order, protect individual rights, and uphold societal values. They provide a clear legal basis for the functioning of governments and the legal system, as well as establish the boundaries within which individuals and organizations can operate. Statutory law carries the force of law and non-compliance may result in penalties or legal consequences.
Statutes are subject to interpretation by courts and can be challenged or overturned if they are found to be unconstitutional or inconsistent with higher laws or principles. They can also be amended, repealed, or modified through subsequent legislative action, ensuring that the legal framework remains adaptable to changing societal needs and values.
An act of the legislature or supreme power of a state commanding or prohibiting a thing; an enactment; a law; an act of a corporation or of its founder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "statute" comes from the Latin word "statutum", which is the past participle of "stātūere". "Stātūere" means "to set up" or "to establish". The Latin word is derived from "stāre", which means "to stand" or "to stay". Over time, "statute" developed its modern English meaning of a written law or regulation established by a legislative body.