statute

STACH-oote

meaning in plain English

A rule made by a government that people must follow.

for example

The new statute says you can't park in front of fire hydrants.

Think of a statute like a rule written down in a book that everyone in a town or country has to obey. Why do we need these rules? Because without them, people might argue over what's fair or safe, and the government steps in to make things clear for everyone.