What does 'statute' refer to in legal context?

In a legal context, 'statute' specifically refers to a law that has been enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. Statutes are formal written laws that provide clear, codified rules and regulations governing various aspects of society, including criminal behavior, business practices, and individual rights. This definition is integral to understanding the hierarchy of laws, where statutes are often primary sources of law, standing alongside constitutions.

The other choices represent different legal concepts. For example, a common law principle established by judicial decisions pertains to judge-made law, which evolves through court rulings rather than being formally codified as statutes. An executive order is a directive issued by a government official, typically an executive like the president, which does not carry the same legislative authority as a statute. Finally, a guideline for administrative procedures refers to internal rules set by administrative agencies, which assist in the implementation and enforcement of statutes but do not hold the formal legal status of law created by legislative action.