Which of these accurately describes a statute?

A statute is defined as a formal law enacted by a legislative body, such as a state or federal government. These laws are established through a structured process that includes proposals, debates, and voting among elected representatives. The significance of a statute lies in its authority and enforceability, meaning it holds legal weight and impacts public policy, regulations, and individual rights.

The other options represent different types of regulations or rules but do not accurately reflect what a statute is. A rule issued by a company typically refers to internal policies or procedures and does not carry the same legal authority as a statute. Guidelines from the community can provide recommendations or best practices but lack the binding power of a law. An administrative directive involves instructions from government agencies on how to implement laws or policies but is not itself a law passed by a legislative body. Therefore, the choice that correctly identifies a statute is indeed one that refers to a law passed by a legislative body.