Respond about statute (5)
I believe the answer is:
react
'respond' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'about statute' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 're' (common abbreviation for 'with reference to').
'statute' becomes 'act'.
're'+'act'='REACT'
(Other definitions for react that I've seen before include "Respond to a stimulus" , "Show opposition" , "Respond emotionally" , "Perform again" , "Retaliate" .)