Also known as:statute laws · statutory law · statutes
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
The body of law enacted by a legislature as distinguished from common law or constitutional law.
Sources & Authorities· 40 primary sources
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Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Common Law
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Foreclosure Party Joinder
Selena Singh defaults on her mortgage held by Spectrum Financial. Spectrum initiates foreclosure and must join Selena and any junior lienholders under the applicable statute law. Failure to provide notice to a tenant with an interest in the property risks invalidating the sale of the collateral.
Tenancy at Will Termination
Sebastian Santos leases property from Southland Foods under an agreement terminable at either party's will. Statute law requires a period of notice before termination. Southland Foods provides the required notice and ends the tenancy without further obligation.
Diversity Limitations Period
Sydney Santos sues in federal court under diversity jurisdiction after a state-law claim accrues. Statute law supplies the limitations period and tolling rules. The federal court must apply those state rules because they are substantive under the outcome-determination test.
Secured Party Disposition
Steven Silva defaults on a loan secured by collateral held by Sentinel Security. The secured party disposes of the collateral at a public sale. Statute law discharges any subordinate security interest in the collateral upon the transfer.
Adoption Consent Timing
Sylvia Santos gives birth and later executes a written consent to adoption before a notary. Statute law prohibits irrevocable pre-birth consent and requires the consent to occur at or after the prescribed time. The consent remains effective after entry of the adoption decree.
Tort Survival Damages
Sierra Santos suffers injuries from a tort committed by Synergy Systems. Sierra dies before trial. Statute law limits recovery to harms suffered before death and terminates any claim for punitive damages against the tortfeasor upon its death.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
7
How does statute law differ from common law?+
Statute law consists of enactments by a legislature. Common law arises from judicial decisions. Courts apply statute law when it governs the issue even if common-law rules would produce a different result.
What role does statute law play in determining necessary parties in foreclosure?+
Statute law identifies the parties that must receive notice in a foreclosure action. It specifies the mortgagor and may include junior lienholders or tenants. Failure to join required parties can affect the validity of the sale.
Does statute law require notice to terminate a tenancy at will?
+
Yes. Statute law commonly requires a period of notice before either party may end a tenancy at will. The notice period prevents abrupt termination and provides the other party an opportunity to make alternative arrangements.
How does statute law affect removal in diversity cases?+
Statute law supplies the limitations period and tolling rules that a federal court must apply in diversity actions. These rules are treated as substantive because ignoring them would produce a different outcome than in state court.
What does statute law provide regarding subordinate liens after a secured-party disposition?+
Statute law discharges subordinate security interests in collateral upon a qualifying disposition by the senior secured party. The transferee takes free of those interests when acting in good faith.
When may a mother revoke consent under adoption statute law?+
Statute law prohibits irrevocable pre-birth consent and requires consent at or after a prescribed time. After the adoption decree is entered, consent cannot be withdrawn. Before entry, withdrawal may be allowed if it serves the adoptee's best interest after notice and hearing.
How does statute law affect damages when a party dies before a tort trial?+
Statute law limits recovery to harms suffered before death when the injured person dies. It also terminates liability for punitive damages upon the death of the tortfeasor.
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statutory
command, it is common sense to permit the simple, speedy, and inexpensive processes of the…
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