Also known as: legislative acts · statute · enactment
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A statute or law enacted by a legislative body that has the force of law within its jurisdiction. It establishes binding rules on conduct, rights, or procedures after following the constitutionally required process of passage and approval.
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Liam Larson contracted to purchase land from Landmark Realty. Before closing a fire destroyed the improvements. A legislative act had adopted the majority equitable conversion rule. The court held that risk passed to Liam at contract formation so he could not avoid the deal or reduce the price.
Lila Lin filed a motion without any signature. The opposing party moved to strike. The court applied the signature requirement and struck the paper because no prompt correction occurred after notice. Lila could not rely on any legislative act to excuse the omission.
Levi Lowe orally agreed with Lola Langley to lease an apartment for six months. The controlling statute of frauds permitted oral leases of that length. A legislative act had set the period at one year. The court upheld the lease because it fell within the statutory exception.
Lorenzo Lugo sued state officials alleging a violation of federal constitutional rights. No statute expressly created a damages remedy. The court found federal question jurisdiction because the claim arose directly under the Constitution. A legislative act had not barred the implied action.
Lance Lee brought a federal claim in district court. He sought to add a related state claim against an additional party. The court exercised supplemental jurisdiction because the claims formed part of the same case or controversy. A legislative act had not limited the reach of the statute.
Lexicon Media's will directed distribution by representation. Several descendants in the nearest generation survived while others had predeceased leaving issue. The court divided the property into equal shares per the statutory formula. A legislative act had adopted the per capita at each generation rule.
A legislative act is enacted by the legislature following bicameral passage and presentment. It sets prospective rules of general application. A judicial decision interprets existing law and resolves specific disputes between parties.
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A court may refuse to apply a legislative act that conflicts with the Constitution or exceeds the enacting body's authority. The excerpts illustrate that a legislative act may also be limited by another statute or rule of procedure.
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