Elected bodies write rules of general application. Legislation is law enacted by a legislature, consisting of statutes that prescribe duties, create rights, and establish institutions or programs.

The legislative process typically includes drafting, committee review, debate, voting, and executive approval or veto. Once enacted, statutes bind the public and guide courts and agencies. Legislation can be comprehensive codes or narrow amendments responding to specific problems.

Courts interpret legislation using text, structure, history, and purpose. Agencies often receive delegated authority to implement statutory schemes through regulation. Citizens and interest groups lobby throughout the process because legislation can reshape entire industries and individual rights in a single enactment.

• Laws enacted by a legislative body
• Created through formal deliberative process
• Interpreted by courts and implemented by agencies
• Primary source of positive law in modern states