What term describes the body of law developed in England from judgments and decrees of the courts with general application, not subject to local rules?

What term describes the body of law developed in England from judgments and decrees of the courts with general application, not subject to local rules?

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

Answer: (A)

Common law refers to the body of law developed in England from judgments and decrees of the courts that apply broadly, rather than being confined to local rules. It evolves through court decisions and the precedents they establish, creating rules that have general, nationwide effect across the legal system. While statutes can modify or override it, the fundamental idea is that the law is built up from case outcomes and judicial interpretation, not from a formal codified code. This distinguishes it from administrative law (rules governing government agencies), constitutional law (the structure and powers of the government), and civil law (a codified system drawn from continental traditions). The emphasis on decisions and general applicability is what makes common law the best fit for the description.

Common law refers to the body of law developed in England from judgments and decrees of the courts that apply broadly, rather than being confined to local rules. It evolves through court decisions and the precedents they establish, creating rules that have general, nationwide effect across the legal system. While statutes can modify or override it, the fundamental idea is that the law is built up from case outcomes and judicial interpretation, not from a formal codified code. This distinguishes it from administrative law (rules governing government agencies), constitutional law (the structure and powers of the government), and civil law (a codified system drawn from continental traditions). The emphasis on decisions and general applicability is what makes common law the best fit for the description.