What is the meaning of "statute"?

A statute is defined as a written law enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. Statutes are formal legal rules that govern various aspects of society and are created through a specific legislative process, which typically involves proposal, discussion, amendment, and ultimately, approval by a governing body. These laws are codified and made accessible to the public, providing a clear framework for legal obligations and rights.

The other options represent different legal concepts that do not accurately describe what a statute is. An oral agreement pertains to agreements made verbally rather than in written form, while a court-issued directive refers to specific orders or rulings made by judges in the course of legal procedures. A type of common law decision involves judicial rulings based on precedents rather than written legislation. Thus, the characterization of a statute as a written law recognizes its fundamental role in the legal system as a source of law distinct from these other concepts.