creature of statute

USAGE SUMMARY

"creature of statute" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something bound by a particular set of laws, regulations, or rules. For example, "The lawyers argued that the company was a creature of statute, and thus should be under the jurisdiction of the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This Court has consistently held that "copyright is a creature of statute and the rights and remedies provided by the Copyright Act are exhaustive": see CCH, at para.

Harvard University

He said that judges can only apply the law, not make it, and so far, "every court has said copyright is a creature of statute".

The New York Times - Tech

"A mechanic's lien is a creature of statute," said C. Jaye Berger, a Manhattan lawyer who specializes in real estate and construction law.

The New York Times

5 Copyright in this country is a creature of statute and the rights and remedies it provides are exhaustive: Compo Co. v. Blue Crest Music Inc. (1979), 1 S.C.R. 357 (S.C.C ., at p. 373; R. v. Stewart, 1 S.C.R. 963 (S.C.C).; Bishop v. Stevens, 2 S.C.R. 467 (S.C.C ., at p. 477.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Contrary to dominant social work narratives which claim that social workers' legitimacy stems from their identity as creatures of the statute, radical social work has earned its recognition through an ability to grasp and utilise the transformative political power of the people we work with.

The Guardian

My difficulty in coming out wholeheartedly for private-sector unions as they now exist is that they are, by and large, creatures of objectionable statutes which have badly warped the labour-capital power dynamic that would exist under the unionism of free association.Progressives and libertarians generally part ways on the justifiability of legislation that boosts the bargaining power of unions.

The Economist

They are simply criminal war courts, resorted to for the reason that the jurisdiction of courts-martial, creatures as they are of statute, is restricted by law, and can not be extended to include certain classes of offenses which in war would go unpunished in the absence of a provisional forum for the trial of the offenders.

Cornell University

These creatures became legal actors subjects of statutes, issues in court cases, and parties to treaties in a centuries-long colonizing process that was reenacted on successive wild animal frontiers.

Johns Hopkins University

Philip is a creature of reason.

The New York Times - Books

Donald Trump is a creature of the polls.

The New Yorker

Trump is a creature of that sea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creature of statute", ensure the context clearly establishes which statute or legal framework is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "creature of statute" as a vague descriptor. Always specify the relevant statute or legal context to provide precise meaning and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creature of statute" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe entities, rights, or legal constructs that are entirely dependent on and defined by statutory law. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "creature of statute" is a noun phrase used to describe something whose existence and powers are derived solely from statutory law. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in academic and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the relevant statute. Related phrases include "creation of statute" and "governed by statute". Remember, while grammatically sound, its formal nature makes it best suited for legal, academic, or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creation of statute

Focuses on the act of being brought into existence by a statute, rather than the state of being governed by it.

statutory creation

Emphasizes the statutory basis of something's creation, similar to "creation of statute".

subject to statutory law

Highlights the subjection to laws enacted by a legislative body.

governed by statute

Directly indicates the influence and control of a statute over something.

defined by law

Indicates that the characteristics or nature are legally determined.

legally constituted entity

Describes an organization or body that has been formed in accordance with legal statutes.

established by legislation

Implies a formal establishment through legislative action.

product of legislation

Suggests that something is a direct outcome of legislative action.

instrument of law

Indicates something that serves as a tool or mechanism of the law.

legal construct

Broader term suggesting something is an artificial creation of the legal system.

FAQs

How is "creature of statute" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "creature of statute" is used to describe an entity or right that exists solely because of a law. This means it's existence and powers are defined and limited by that specific law.

What are some synonyms for "creature of statute" that I could use?

While there isn't a direct synonym, you can use phrases like "creation of statute", "governed by statute", or "defined by law" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "creature of statute" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "creature of statute" is a formal, legal term. It's best suited for legal documents, academic papers, or professional writing. Avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language is more appropriate.

What does it mean for something to be a "creature of statute"?

When something is described as a "creature of statute", it means its existence, powers, and limitations are entirely dependent on the laws that created it. It has no inherent or common-law rights beyond those granted by the statute.