What are statues in relation to legislation?

Statutes refer to laws that have been formally enacted by legislative bodies, such as a state legislature, and subsequently signed into law by the appropriate executive authority, often a governor. This process involves the proposal of a bill, debate, and a vote within the legislative body, followed by the approval of the governor. Statutes serve as a foundational component of statutory law in the legal system, establishing binding rules for behavior that must be followed within the jurisdiction that enacted them.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define statutes. Old legal cases refer to precedents established by judicial decisions, which contribute to case law rather than legislative statutes. Federal laws are indeed a type of statute, but they are not limited to federal context as statutes can be found at state and local levels as well. Guidelines for police conduct are typically established through policies rather than formal statutes, and while they may inform police operations, they do not carry the same legal authority as laws passed by a legislative body. Understanding statutes as a product of legislative action is crucial for comprehending the structure of law and legal obligations within various jurisdictions.