Statutes are laws passed by state legislatures (state laws) and by the United States Congress (federal laws). Statutes are one of the primary sources of law in the United States (sometimes referred to as statutory law) and cover a wide variety of legal topics. Courts often rely on statutes to resolve legal disputes (lawsuits) by applying the relevant statutes to the particular set of factual circumstances underlying the dispute.

Courts generally seek the clear and plain meaning of a statute, and if the court finds a statute ambiguous or “ambiguous on its face” (looking only at the words as written) the court may attempt to determine what the legislature intended in enacting the statute—known as legislative intent.

Related statutes are sometimes compiled in groups and referred to as codes—such as the penal code, the family code, or the code of civil procedure. Statutes may be amended (changed) or repealed (eliminated) by the legislature or Congress or declared unconstitutional (and thus unenforceable) by a court.

In Connecticut, as in other states, statutes are laws enacted by the state legislature. These laws, along with federal laws passed by the United States Congress, form a significant part of the legal framework governing various aspects of life and business within the state. Connecticut courts interpret these statutes when resolving legal disputes, striving to ascertain the clear and plain meaning of the legislative text. When a statute is ambiguous, courts may look into legislative history and intent to interpret the law correctly. Connecticut has organized its statutes into various codes, such as the General Statutes of Connecticut, which include titles on penal law, family law, and civil procedure, among others. These statutes can be updated or modified by the legislature through amendments, and they can also be repealed. Additionally, if a statute is challenged and found to be unconstitutional by the judiciary, it is rendered unenforceable. It is important for individuals and entities in Connecticut to understand the statutes relevant to their circumstances and to consult with an attorney for legal advice tailored to their specific situation.