The collective body of laws enacted by a legislature is legislation. Individual statutes, codes, and acts together form the legislative output that governs conduct, organizes institutions, and allocates resources.

Legislation originates as bills, passes through deliberation and voting, and is formally enacted. It can be general or highly specific, temporary or permanent. Courts interpret legislation when disputes arise; agencies implement it through regulations. The volume of legislation has grown in modern states as government responsibilities have expanded.

Quality varies. Well-drafted legislation is clear, consistent with existing law, and matched to administrative capacity. Poorly drafted statutes create confusion, litigation, and unintended consequences. Legislative productivity is sometimes measured by the number of laws passed, yet the more important questions concern their necessity, coherence, and effects.

• Laws enacted by a legislative body
• Product of formal lawmaking process
• Interpreted by courts and implemented by agencies
• Quality depends on drafting and design