It is this classification of sources of law which I intend to follow in this lecture. Primary sources of law consist of rules of law themselves, whereas secondary sources of law are a second-hand account of those rules. An illustration of this is that statute is a primary source of law, whilst a textbook summarising the principles of law in the statute is a secondary source of law. Statutes are laws made by parliament. In this connection, delegated legislation is law made by some person or body to whom parliament has by statute delegated law-making authority.
Statute is the superior type of law because it overrides common law.
Because delegated legislation is authorised by statute it can also override common law. It may also be known as Acts, or Acts of Parliament - the two terms are now synonymous. Enactment is another term used for Act or statute - it can also include delegated legislation. Legislation is a generic word also covering both statutes and delegated legislation. British statutes applying by paramount force - there is a presumption that British statutes do not operate beyond the realm.