What is the difference between constitutional and statutory law?

Constitutional law and statutory law are two distinct types of laws with different functions. Constitutional law is a set of laws and principles established by a government, that is recognized as the supreme power of a nation. It governs over all of the laws in a certain nation or state. The U.S. Constitution is a good example of a constitutional law. Statutory law, on the other hand, is created by legislatures through the passage of legislation. Statutory laws are laws made by the legislature, like the New York State Legislature. Unlike constitutional law which sets the broad framework of laws, statutory law is more precise. It sets out the specific details on the rules, regulations, and punishments for breaking such laws. In New York, the courts are required to abide by the state’s constitution first and then by its statutory laws. When the two contradict each other, the constitution is usually given precedence over statutory law. This means that when interpreting laws, the court will first refer to the constitution and then the statutory laws. If they contradict each other, the court will usually give the constitutional law precedence.

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What is the difference between constitutional and statutory law?

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