Which of the following defines a statute?

A statute is specifically defined as a written law that is enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. This definition emphasizes that a statute is formally created through a legislative process, which involves drafting, debating, and voting on proposed laws. Statutes are distinct from other forms of law, such as regulations, which may be enforced by agencies, or common law, which is established through judicial decisions.

In contrast, laws enforced by executive agencies refer to regulations that may interpret or apply statutes but are not themselves the statutes. Common principles established by court rulings pertain to case law, which is different from statutory law as it evolves through judicial interpretation and precedent. Temporary regulations by the government typically arise in specific contexts, such as emergencies, and do not represent the permanent nature of a statute. Therefore, the identification of a statute as a law passed by a legislative body is accurate and aligns with the legal framework governing the creation and function of laws.