Which term best describes the body of law developed from judicial decisions rather than statutes?

Which term best describes the body of law developed from judicial decisions rather than statutes?

• A. Civil law
• B. Statutory law
• C. Common law
• D. Constitutional law

Answer: (C)

Common law is the body of law developed from judicial decisions rather than statutes. It forms when courts interpret and apply laws to resolve disputes, and the rulings and rationales from these cases become precedents that guide future decisions. Over time, this system builds a coherent set of principles that fill gaps, adapt to new situations, and influence how statutes are applied. This differs from statutory law, which is created by legislatures and written into statutes. In civil law traditions, codes and statutes are the primary source of law, with less emphasis on judge-made precedent. Constitutional law, while essential and frequently shaped by court decisions, refers to interpreting the constitution itself rather than describing the entire body of law forged from judicial decisions.

Common law is the body of law developed from judicial decisions rather than statutes. It forms when courts interpret and apply laws to resolve disputes, and the rulings and rationales from these cases become precedents that guide future decisions. Over time, this system builds a coherent set of principles that fill gaps, adapt to new situations, and influence how statutes are applied. This differs from statutory law, which is created by legislatures and written into statutes. In civil law traditions, codes and statutes are the primary source of law, with less emphasis on judge-made precedent. Constitutional law, while essential and frequently shaped by court decisions, refers to interpreting the constitution itself rather than describing the entire body of law forged from judicial decisions.