What is the meaning of common law?

The concept of common law primarily refers to a legal system formed by the cumulative body of judicial decisions and precedents rather than solely statutes or regulations. It evolves through court rulings that interpret and apply the law to individual cases, establishing precedents that inform future decisions.

This foundational aspect of common law allows it to adapt and grow over time, as judges draw upon previous cases to guide their rulings. The flexibility inherent in common law means it can accommodate changes in societal values and changes in context that legislative bodies may not address as swiftly.

Options that suggest other meanings—such as a marriage contract, law based strictly on statutes, or law established solely by custom—do not encapsulate the essence of common law. While statutes can exist within a common law system, common law specifically derives from judges' interpretations and decisions rather than written laws enacted by legislatures. Thus, the fundamental nature of common law as defined by judicial decisions is a crucial aspect of understanding its significance in the legal framework.