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Which of the following is NOT a purpose of statutory law?

  1. To define unacceptable behavior in society

  2. To establish legal precedents

  3. To regulate governmental powers

  4. To protect the rights of citizens

The correct answer is: To establish legal precedents

Statutory law primarily serves several key functions, one of which is to clearly define unacceptable behaviors within society, thereby creating a framework for acceptable conduct. It also plays a role in regulating the powers of government, ensuring that these powers are exercised within legal boundaries and in a manner that protects democratic values. Additionally, statutory law is essential for safeguarding the rights of citizens, establishing rights and protections that are necessary for ensuring justice and equality. The establishment of legal precedents, however, is not a direct purpose of statutory law. Instead, legal precedents are formed through the judicial interpretation of laws, particularly in common law systems where judges make decisions in individual cases that help establish guidelines for future cases. Thus, while statutory law can inform and contribute to the body of precedents, its primary objectives do not include the establishment of precedent itself.