Legislation

Legislation is law laid down by an organ of the State which has the power to do so. These laws are embodied in writing and are known as statutes (or acts). In South Africa, Parliament is the highest organ that can pass legislation at the national level. There are also other bodies, that can pass subordinate legislation. These include the provincial legislatures which pass provincial acts and municipal councils which pass by laws. Legislation is a powerful source of law. In principle it binds the whole society.