Which body of law is established by legislative acts?

Statutory law is established by legislative acts passed by governing bodies, such as Congress at the federal level or state legislatures. This type of law consists of written laws, also known as statutes, that are formally enacted and are typically codified in specific formatting for clarity and accessibility.

The legislative process involves multiple steps, including proposal, discussion, and voting, which result in laws that are intended to address specific issues, establish new rights and obligations, or modify existing laws. Once a statute is enacted, it takes precedence over common law and must be followed by the courts and other entities.

Understanding statutory law is crucial for paralegals, as it directly influences many aspects of legal practice, including civil rights, criminal justice, and regulatory compliance. In contrast, common law arises from judicial decisions and precedents rather than legislative action, case law is based on the interpretations of statutes and common law by courts, and regulatory law is derived from governmental agencies' rules and regulations.