How is common law defined?

Common law is defined as judge-made law that develops through court decisions and is based on both tradition and precedent. This means that the outcomes of past legal cases influence future decisions, creating a body of law that evolves over time. Courts interpret and apply these established laws in new cases, effectively ensuring consistency and stability in how laws are applied.

The reliance on tradition and precedent allows judges to create legal principles that fill gaps where no statutes exist, providing a framework for decision-making within the legal system. Common law is particularly significant in the Anglo-American legal tradition and forms a foundation for many legal doctrines used in various jurisdictions.

In contrast, other options focus on different sources of law. Constitutional amendments change the fundamental framework of law, regulations are specific legislative rules created by federal agencies to implement statutory laws, and statutory laws consist of codified laws passed by state or federal legislative bodies. None of these adequately represent the concept of common law as defined by judicial interpretations and historical legal principles.