What term refers to written state laws?

The term that refers to written state laws is "statute." Statutes are formal written laws enacted by a legislative body at the state or federal level. They serve as the foundation of statutory law and provide clear, enforceable rules governing various aspects of life and society, such as criminal behavior, commercial transactions, and civil rights. When legislation is passed and signed into law, it is codified as a statute in the state's code, making it accessible to the public and enforceable by the judicial system.

Other terms, such as regulations and ordinances, refer to different types of laws. Regulations are rules created by governmental agencies based on statutes, providing specific details on how laws will be enforced. Ordinances, on the other hand, are laws enacted by local governments, such as cities or counties, and usually address local issues or concerns. Bylaws are typically rules governing the internal operations of organizations, such as corporations or associations. These distinctions highlight why "statute" is the correct term for written state laws.