North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What type of law explicitly commands, prohibits, or enforces actions?

1. Administrative Law

2. Statutory Law

3. Constitutional Law

4. Criminal Law

The correct answer is: Statutory Law

Statutory law is a body of law created by legislative acts, which explicitly commands, prohibits, or enforces specific actions. It is typically written and codified, making it accessible and clear to those it governs. Statutes are enacted by legislative bodies, such as city councils or state legislatures, and they cover a range of issues, from traffic regulations to criminal offenses and civil rights. An important aspect of statutory law is its ability to provide detailed rules and regulations, guiding the behavior of individuals and organizations. For instance, a statute might define a crime, establish penalties, or regulate business operations. This precision serves to ensure consistency in the enforcement of the law, as there are clear guidelines for what is permissible and what is not. This is distinct from other types of law. Administrative law deals with regulations created by government agencies, which implement statutory laws rather than create them. Constitutional law focuses on the interpretation and application of constitutional provisions and rights, while criminal law pertains specifically to actions deemed offenses against society, encompassing elements that may be outlined within statutory law. Understanding statutory law is essential for legal practitioners as it forms the foundation for much of the legal system, guiding both individual behavior and government actions.