Which type of law is based on laws set forth by a governing authority?

• A. Common Law
• B. Statutory Law
• C. Case Law
• D. Administrative Law

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is statutory law, which refers to laws that are enacted by a legislative body. Statutory law is established through formal processes and is codified in written statutes or codes. These laws are created with the intent of being understood and applied consistently across various circumstances within the jurisdiction. Statutory laws cover a wide range of issues, including criminal laws, tax laws, and regulatory measures, and they form a critical component of the legal framework in a given area.

In contrast, common law arises from judicial decisions and court rulings rather than from statutes or legislative acts. Common law evolves through case precedents, where judges interpret and apply the law based on previous decisions, making it somewhat more flexible but less formal than statutory law.

Case law is closely related to common law, being essentially the body of law developed through court decisions. It relies on the interpretations of existing laws when resolving cases and may evolve over time with new rulings.

Administrative law pertains to regulations created by government agencies based on statutory authority. These rules govern the operations of government departments and agencies and often provide details on how the laws will be enforced.

Thus, the distinguishing factor for statutory law is its foundation in legislation approved by governing authorities, making it a primary source of law