What are written laws passed by governmental bodies referred to as?

Written laws passed by governmental bodies are referred to as statutes. Statutes are formal, written laws enacted by legislative bodies at both federal and state levels. They establish legal standards, obligations, and rights to be followed by individuals and organizations within their jurisdictions. This makes statutes fundamental to the legal system, as they provide clear guidelines that govern behavior and ensure order within society.

The other terms listed, while they may refer to forms of legal or governmental actions, are not synonymous with statutes. Directives often pertain to specific instructions or orders from higher authorities or organizations, usually within a governmental body but do not represent enacted laws. Declarations typically express sentiments or intentions rather than create binding obligations or rules. Resolutions may be formal expressions of decisions by legislative bodies but often address particular issues or create temporary measures rather than being codified laws like statutes. This distinction is crucial for understanding the hierarchy and structure of legal frameworks.