Statutory instruments

Statutory instruments encompass subordinate or delegated legislation (and sub-delegated legislation) deriving from Acts of Parliament, which are consequently labelled parent Acts, and executive authority either by custom or by law. Examples of statutory instruments are:

• circulars
• decrees
• edicts
• orders (such as orders-in-council and orders-of-council)
• ordinances
• proclamations
• regulations

Circulars reflect policy decisions within a government department, frequently based on acts or regulations governing the operation of that department. Circulars affect directly only the functioning of the specific department.

Decrees, edicts, and proclamations are products of executive authority that often have wide-ranging consequences. Within most democratic regimes, the promulgation and duration of decrees are strictly enforced. In other regimes, decrees might form the basis of law.

Orders derive from executive authority as well, but tend to be decisions made by governing bodies such as councils, cabinets, and the like.

Ordinances and regulations are supplementary legislation emerging from acts or laws that flesh out the intention of the law. Ordinances emerge most often from local government bodies, whilst regulations are made by regional (state, province, etc.) or national governments. Regulations tend to derive from the authority of a government executive (government minister or secretary (of state)).