What is defined as a law established by a governing body?

Statutory law refers to laws that have been formally enacted by a legislative body, such as Congress or state legislatures. These laws are written and codified, making them distinct from other types of law. Statutory law typically governs a multitude of legal areas, including criminal law, business regulations, and civil rights, and it provides specific commands and prohibitions.

In contrast, regulatory law refers to rules made by executive agencies based on the authority granted to them by legislative bodies, which means it incorporates the broader framework established by statutory law but doesn't represent direct legislative enactment. Common law, on the other hand, is developed through court decisions and reflects judicial interpretations rather than statutes created by a legislative body. Constitutional law pertains to laws related to the interpretation of a constitution and the relationships between different branches of government, rather than laws established by legislative action.

Thus, statutory law is the appropriate term for laws established directly by a governing body through the legislative process.