What is a statute?

A statute is defined as a law that is formally enacted by a legislative body, specifically Parliament. This process involves the drafting, debating, and eventual approval of the law, making it official and enforceable. Statutes are essential components of the legal system as they provide written laws that govern the behavior of individuals and organizations within a jurisdiction.

The role of Parliament is critical in this context, as it is charged with the authority to create legislation through a structured process that includes multiple readings and votes. Once passed, statutes become part of the statutory law applicable to everyone within the governing jurisdiction, often covering a wide range of areas including criminal law, civil rights, and regulatory matters.

Other options present definitions that do not capture the essence of what a statute is. A proposed law awaiting approval refers to a bill that has not yet been enacted, which is distinctly different from a statute. A type of regulation implemented by the government refers to administrative rules that may derive from statutes but are not the statutes themselves. Lastly, a legal opinion provided by experts is an advisory viewpoint rather than a binding law. Thus, the specific characteristic of statutes being laws made by Parliament makes the correct choice clear.