Which type of law is based on statutes enacted by state legislatures or Congress?

The correct answer is statutory law. Statutory law refers to laws that are formally written and enacted by legislative bodies, such as state legislatures or Congress. These laws are designed to address specific issues and provide clear guidance on legal standards and regulations that are to be followed. Statutory law is distinguished from other types of law, as it is based on codes that are codified into statutes, making them accessible and organized for reference.

This form of law is crucial because it reflects the democratic process where elected representatives create laws to govern society. Statutory laws can cover a wide range of subjects, including criminal laws, tax laws, and civil rights protections, among others.

In contrast, case law derives from judicial decisions made in courts and is based on the interpretations of statutes or the constitution. Common law is developed through the decisions of judges in individual cases over time, becoming precedent for future cases, whereas administrative law pertains to the rules and regulations developed by governmental agencies. Each of these alternatives has its own significance in the legal system, but only statutory law is directly created by legislative action.