Common Law

Definition: Law developed through judicial decisions and legal precedent, rather than enacted directly by a legislature. Court decisions also interpret statutes and apply legal principles to particular disputes.

Example

A court relies on an established rule from earlier cases when resolving a property dispute.

Keep the distinction clear

Common law and statutory law interact. A controlling statute may change a rule previously developed through court decisions.

Related terms

Statutory Law · Judgment · Litigation (Lawsuit)

Keep studying

Valid, Void, Voidable, and Unenforceable Contracts

References: Cornell LII: common law

Pronunciation (US): KAH-mun LAW (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster