What is legislation primarily defined as?

Legislation is primarily defined as laws created by elected representatives. This refers to the formal written laws enacted by the legislative bodies of government, such as the Parliament in Canada or provincial legislatures in British Columbia. These laws are established through a legislative process that involves proposal, debate, and voting, reflecting the democratic principles underpinning modern governance.

This definition captures the essence of how legislation is formed in a democratic society, where representatives are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. As such, legislation is a fundamental component of the rule of law and is vital in regulating societal behavior, protecting rights, and outlining responsibilities.

Other choices, while related to the wider scope of law, do not accurately capture the essence of legislation. Court rulings are key to common law systems and establish legal precedents, but they are categorized as case law rather than legislation. Online tribunals may facilitate dispute resolution but do not constitute written laws. Rights acquired by tenants over land refer to specific legal entitlements under property law, rather than the process of creating laws that governs the society at large.