Which of the following is NOT a component of a statute?

A statute is a formal written law enacted by a legislative body. It typically consists of several key components that together establish legal frameworks and dictate specific policies. Definitions are crucial as they clarify the meanings of terms used throughout the statute to ensure that interpretations are consistent. Penalties outline the consequences for violating the provisions of the statute, providing a deterrent against non-compliance. Offences specify the actions or omissions that are deemed illegal under the statute, delineating acceptable behavior within the regulated domain.

Precedents, however, do not form a component of a statute. Instead, they are legal principles derived from previous court decisions that guide judges and lawmakers in interpreting and applying the law. Precedents can influence how statutes are understood and enforced, but they are not prescribed within the statutes themselves. This distinction highlights the role of case law as separate from the statutory law enacted by legislative bodies.