What is a characteristic of Common Law?

Common Law is characterized as a system that develops through judicial decisions and the customs and traditions that evolve from these rulings. Unlike systems based on statutory law, where legal statutes are explicitly written and enacted by legislative bodies, Common Law emerges from the outcomes of court cases, where precedents set by judges inform future decisions. This reliance on case law allows for flexibility and adaptation to new circumstances, as it enables the legal system to evolve based on real-world applications of the law.

The decision-making process in Common Law also emphasizes the role of judicial interpretation, where judges assess not only the letter of the law but also its spirit and practical implications. This creates a body of law that is deeply rooted in real-life experiences and societal values, reflecting the collective legal wisdom built over time. Thus, the characteristic highlighting the basis of Common Law as being rooted in judges' decisions and traditions is essential to understanding how this legal framework operates and distinguishes itself from other legal structures.