Legal Definitions - real statute

A real statute is a law that primarily affects the operation, status, and condition of property, and addresses persons only incidentally. It is a type of civil law. For example, a real statute may regulate the ownership, transfer, or use of property.

One example of a real statute is a law that requires property owners to maintain their buildings in a safe condition. This law primarily affects the property and its condition, and only incidentally affects the owner.

Another example is a law that regulates the use of land for certain purposes, such as zoning laws. This law primarily affects the property and its use, and only incidentally affects the owner.