What type of law includes laws passed or enacted by legislative bodies such as the U.S. Congress?

Statutory law refers to the body of law created through the formal legislative process. This type of law is established when legislative bodies, such as the U.S. Congress, pass specific statutes, which are written laws that govern various aspects of society. Statutory laws are typically codified and can cover a wide range of issues, from criminal justice to civil rights, providing the framework within which governments can regulate behavior.

Understanding statutory law is crucial in recognizing its role in the legal system, as it serves as a primary source of law compared to other forms. For example, common law is derived from judicial decisions and historical customs rather than statutes enacted by legislatures. Administrative law governs the actions of government agencies and arises from regulations created by those agencies, while international law deals with the legal relationships between sovereign states and international entities. Each of these forms plays a distinct role in the legal system, but statutory law is specifically tied to the laws enacted by legislatures, making it fundamental to the governance of society.