statue, statute

Statue or statue means a three-dimensional work of art, either representational ( an image of someone or something ) or non-representational ( an abstract design )--
What is that statue supposed to represent? It looks like a giant piece of shrapnel.
The pigeons love to roost on the statue of the former mayor.

Statute or statute means a written law or ordinance--
The statute says "children", not "minors", so I'm not sure it applies in this case.
The statute calls for a heavy fine for unlicensed dogs.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"That statue is in violation of the statute against obstructing the sidewalks."

Note--"statuary" means a set or group of statues, or sculpture in a general sense--
There are several odd pieces of statuary in the back garden.
"Statutory" means according to the written law or statute--
 Criminal law in the United States is statutory, but some civil cases are still argued according to common law or tradition.
Note # 2--"statues" is the plural ( more than one ) of "statue"--
Two statues of lions guard the main gate.
"Statutes" is the plural of "statute"--
Several statutes address that issue; one comprehensive statute would be easier to understand.
Not to be confused with "status", meaning position or rank--
She updated her Facebook status. Did you see it?
Status quo is a Latin phrase, meaning things as they are, or the state of things--
They were prosperous, and determined to preserve the status quo.
"Status quo ante bellum" means "the state of things before the war", an agreement to go back to the boundaries that existed before a war began--
They will not sign the treaty if it means a return to the status quo ante bellum.
Note # 3--"statuesque" means tall and stately, like an Ancient Greek or Roman statue--
She was statuesque and assertive--she intimidated many people.
Note # 4--"stature" means height, or, figuratively, the level of achievement attained--
He was of greater than average stature, at least six feet tall.
A man of his stature can expect to be recognized wherever he goes.