statute

noun (a statute, statutes)

«statute» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition and Early Modern English — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

(formal) A law that has been written down and passed by a parliament or government. tree →
(formal) A written rule of an organisation, such as a university. tree →

In the lessons

It is a formal and legal word. In civics and history lessons pupils learn that statutes are laws made by parliament, unlike rules from old custom or judges. In exam or official texts: «required by statute». Phrases: «by statute», «statute book», «statute of limitations».

Examples

(formal) The new statute protects wild birds. tree →
(formal) Seat belts are required by statute. tree →
Parliament passed a statute about school attendance. tree →
In plain words, a statute is a written law. tree →
The statute was changed after people complained. tree →
The university's statutes say who can be a member. tree →

Note

Countable: «a statute», «statutes». Do not confuse «statute» (a law) with «statue» (a carved figure) or «stature» (height, importance). Adjective: «statutory» (required by law), as in «statutory holiday».

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it is a law given by God, often one "for ever throughout your generations." It usually refers to commands whose reason is not given.

Interpretation. Tradition calls such commands chukim and says we keep them because God commanded, even without understanding them. The red heifer is the famous example.

Examples

This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. (Torah LEV.17.7, JPS 1917) tree →
If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them; (Torah LEV.26.3, JPS 1917) tree →
There He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He proved them; (Torah EXO.15.25, JPS 1917) tree →
Blessed art Thou, O LORD; teach me Thy statutes. (Writings PSA.119.12, JPS 1917) tree →
If they profane My statutes, and keep not My commandments; (Writings PSA.89.32, JPS 1917) tree →
That they might keep His statutes, and observe His laws. (Writings PSA.105.45, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Early Modern English

Meaning

A law or rule that is written down and fixed, here one given by God. tree →

Then and now

Today a statute is a formal law passed by parliament. In the Torah it is a law or decree from God, not one voted in by people.

Examples

This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. (Torah LEV.17.7, JPS 1917) tree →
There He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He proved them; (Torah EXO.15.25, JPS 1917) tree →
And it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.' (Torah NUM.27.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Today: law, rule.

On Mova

Trees and pragmatics of «statute» in the school dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«statute» in the school dictionary on Mova free.
Trees and pragmatics of «statute» in the Judaism dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«statute» in the Judaism dictionary on Mova free.
Trees and pragmatics of «statute» in the Early Modern English dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«statute» in the Early Modern English dictionary on Mova free.

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