Question
A legal system based on custom and court rulings?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
A legal system based on custom and court rulings is typically referred to as **common law**. Common law systems rely heavily on the principles established in previous court decisions (known as case law) as well as customs that have developed over time.
In a common law system, judges play a crucial role in interpreting laws and setting legal precedents that future courts are generally expected to follow, a principle known as **stare decisis**. This allows the law to evolve gradually as societal norms change and as judges address new issues that arise.
Common law systems are often contrasted with **civil law** systems, which are primarily based on codified statutes and laws enacted by legislative bodies, with less emphasis on judicial decisions.
Common law is prevalent in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. Each of these jurisdictions may also have specific legal customs and practices that influence how the common law is applied.
In a common law system, judges play a crucial role in interpreting laws and setting legal precedents that future courts are generally expected to follow, a principle known as **stare decisis**. This allows the law to evolve gradually as societal norms change and as judges address new issues that arise.
Common law systems are often contrasted with **civil law** systems, which are primarily based on codified statutes and laws enacted by legislative bodies, with less emphasis on judicial decisions.
Common law is prevalent in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. Each of these jurisdictions may also have specific legal customs and practices that influence how the common law is applied.