What does it mean if a statute is said to be applicable?

When a statute is described as applicable, it means that the statute can be enforced in a relevant case. This indicates that the law is valid, in effect, and relevant to the circumstances surrounding a particular legal issue or dispute. Applicability suggests that when the facts of a case align with the provisions of the statute, the law can be invoked to guide the resolution of that case.

For instance, if a statute pertains to contracts and a legal dispute arises involving a contract, the statute's applicability means that it provides legal standards or rules that the court will consider in resolving the issue. This characteristic of a statute is what gives it practical significance in the legal system, as it ensures that judicial decisions are grounded in established law.

The other choices suggest scenarios that misrepresent the nature of a statute’s applicability. Stating that a statute is outdated and no longer in use would mean it cannot be applicable. Saying it is only applicable in one state would limit its general relevance, and indicating it is a recommendation, not a rule, does not reflect the enforceable nature of a statute. Thus, the defining feature of applicability centers on its enforceability in relevant cases, which is captured accurately in the correct answer.