Lex scripta is a Latin phrase that refers to written laws or codes that govern a society. Synonyms for this term may include legal codes, regulations, statutes, mandates, decrees, mandates, and edicts. A legal code is a set of laws that have been gathered and organized into a systematic framework. Regulations are specific rules that are issued by a governing body to enforce the legal code. Statutes are laws that have been passed by a legislative body, while mandates are official orders or commands from a higher authority. Decrees are official statements or orders issued by a legal authority, and edicts are public declarations made by a ruling power. All of these terms are used to describe various forms of written laws that guide a society.