AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

A law created by Congress is classified as which type of law?

1. Statutory

2. Common

3. Case

4. Administrative

The correct answer is: Statutory

A law created by Congress is classified as statutory law. Statutory laws are formal laws enacted by a legislative body, in this case, Congress, which is the legislative branch of the United States government. When Congress passes a law, it is written down and codified, providing a clear and accessible framework that governs various aspects of society, ranging from criminal justice to taxation. This classification is significant because it distinguishes statutory law from other types of law, such as common law, which is developed through court decisions and judicial interpretations rather than through legislative statutes. Additionally, case law, which comes from judges' rulings in individual cases, is also distinct from statutory law. Administrative law, on the other hand, refers to regulations created by government agencies based on statutes passed by Congress. Understanding the classification of law is essential for legal professionals and those studying the legal system, as it impacts how laws are enforced, interpreted, and applied in various situations.