What does it mean when a law is described as "statutory"?

When a law is referred to as "statutory," it signifies that the law has been enacted by legislative bodies, such as Congress or state legislatures. Statutory laws are formal written laws that have undergone the legislative process, which includes drafting, discussion, amendments, and approval before being signed into law by an executive authority, like a president or governor. This process distinguishes statutory law from other types of law, such as common law, which evolves from judicial decisions and precedents, or regulatory law, which is derived from the authority of governmental agencies.

Statutory laws provide clear guidance and regulations, as they are explicitly written and published, allowing individuals and entities to understand their rights and obligations plainly. This clear codification of law helps ensure consistency and predictability in legal outcomes, as opposed to the more flexible and case-dependent nature of common law.