2006-12-11 02:03:44 · 4 answers · asked by mimi 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Common law refers to the basic standards set within the justice system. Originally derived in the US from the British system, it split out into the US Common Law. The US common law has been influenced by the French and Spanish laws, particularly in the states and areas of the southwest.
Common law has the lowest precedence, which means it is the least important and looked at last.
The vast majority of law in the US is codified, meaning that the legislature has passed a law so that common law no longer applies to that topic. Fewer and fewer items look to the common law for definition or determination of a case.
2006-12-11 02:21:18 · answer #1 · answered by Aggie80 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common Law refers to the body of law created in England, starting with the restrictions on the King's powers laid down by the Magna Carta. Common Law is separate from the law that was used to control churches, and the laws used to control royalty.
When the first settlers came to the US, they were still governed by common law, and much of that heritage still exists in US law.
2006-12-11 10:11:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
England is the basis of Common Law. Most of our laws and legal system is based on the thought and philosophy of the laws in England. Our system mirrors theirs in most areas.
2006-12-11 10:13:37 · answer #3 · answered by tinafrawley06 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
England - The Magna Carta
2006-12-11 10:05:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋