common law

/'kɔmənlɔ:/

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Explanation of "Common Law"

Definition: "Common law" is a legal system that is based on the decisions made by judges in previous court cases, rather than on written laws made by lawmakers (like statutes). It originated in England and is used in many countries, including the United States.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use "common law" when discussing legal systems, court decisions, or the history of law.
• How to use: It is typically used as a noun.

Example:

• "In the United States, many legal principles come from common law, which means they are based on earlier court decisions."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal discussions, you might hear phrases like "common law jurisdiction," which refers to areas where common law is the main legal system.
• Lawyers may refer to "common law precedents" when talking about important previous cases that influence current decisions.

Word Variants:

• Common-law (adjective): This describes something related to or derived from common law. For example, "common-law marriage" refers to a relationship where a couple lives together and is treated as married without a formal ceremony.

Different Meanings:

• "Common law" primarily refers to the legal system but can also describe laws or principles derived from court decisions in contrast to written laws.

Synonyms:

• Case law
• Judge-made law
• Unwritten law

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "common law," you might encounter related legal phrases like: - "To set a precedent": This means to establish a new legal principle that others will follow in the future.

Summary:

"Common law" is a crucial concept in understanding how laws evolve through court decisions rather than being solely based on written statutes.

Academic

Noun

1. a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
   • common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States
2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions

Synonyms

• case law
• precedent