Common law system

Definition

The common law system is a legal system where the laws are primarily based on court decisions and precedents rather than statutes written by legislatures. This system emphasizes the role of judges in interpreting and applying the law, where past judicial decisions guide current case rulings.

Related terms

Precedent: A legal principle or rule that is established by a previous court decision which later courts are obliged to follow.

Statutory Law: Law that is written and enacted by legislative bodies, in contrast to common law, which evolves through court decisions.

Judiciary: The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law, resolving disputes under the law, and administering justice within a legal system