Common Law

The notion of common law is well-known in the world and is usually explained as the law developed by the judges of England. It is therefore often defined as case law, with its attendant notions of precedent, 'stare decisis', and 'ratio decidendi', and is often contrasted with the written or codified law found in many jurisdictions described as civilian in character. This common law of England has now become worldwide in importance, a residue of the English empire and the success of many instances of English settlement.