Statutory law is created by elected legislatures, such as the state legislature that defines the nurse practice act (npa).-statutory law is created by legislatures. these bodies enact statutes such as the npa, which defines the role of the nurse and expectations of the nurses performance of his or her duties and explains what is contraindicated as guidelines for the breach of those regulations. regulatory law or administrative law is created by an administrative body such as the board of nursing, which passes rules and regulations. common law is created by judicial decisions in court based on individual cases that are decided. criminal law prevents harm to society and provides punishment for crimes.