Common Law

C1 8+

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑmən lɔ/

Definitions of common law

noun a body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts

Example Sentences

A1 Common law is a type of legal system.

A2 In many countries, common law is based on judicial decisions.

B1 Common law systems rely on precedent and case law.

B2 The principle of stare decisis is important in common law jurisdictions.

C1 Common law countries include the United States, Canada, and Australia.

C2 The evolution of common law can be traced back to medieval England.

adjective relating to or characteristic of the unwritten law

Example Sentences

A1 Common law systems are based on precedent and custom.

A2 In common law countries, judges play a significant role in interpreting laws.

B1 Common law principles are often applied in contract disputes.

B2 The concept of common law marriage varies by jurisdiction.

C1 Legal scholars debate the implications of common law traditions on modern society.

C2 The evolution of common law has shaped the legal systems of many countries around the world.

Examples of common law in a Sentence

formal Common law is a legal system where past court decisions set precedent for future cases.

informal In common law, judges make decisions based on previous similar cases.

slang Common law is like following the unwritten rules of the legal system.

figurative The foundation of our legal system is built upon the principles of common law.

Grammatical Forms of common law

plural

common laws

comparative

more common law

superlative

most common law

present tense

common law

future tense

will be common law

perfect tense

has been common law

continuous tense

is being common law

singular

common law

positive degree

common law

infinitive

to have common law

gerund

having common law

participle

common law

Origin and Evolution of common law

First Known Use: 1150 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The term 'common law' originated in England during the Middle Ages.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the law that was common to the whole country, as opposed to local or customary laws. Over time, it came to represent the body of law derived from judicial decisions and custom, as opposed to statutes enacted by legislatures.