Common law is based on precedent, meaning that decisions made by judges in previous cases are used as a guide for how to decide present and future cases. The system originated in England and spread throughout the world through the British Empire.

Common law is a legal system that originated in medieval England and relies on judicial decisions based on previous court rulings, rather than written laws or codes. In this system, judges use past decisions as a guide when interpreting and applying the law to new cases. This approach allows for more flexibility and case-specific considerations than using statutes alone. Common law is prevalent in countries that were once part of the British Empire, including the United States, and it continues to influence legal systems across the globe today.

One of the main differences between common law and civil law is their approach to legal precedent. Common law relies heavily on previous court decisions as a guide for interpreting and applying the law to new cases. This means that judges have more flexibility in their decision-making process and can consider case-specific factors. In contrast, civil law relies more on written laws and codes, with judges typically applying these laws directly to each case without relying as heavily on past rulings. Civil law originated in ancient Rome and is prevalent in many countries around the world, including France, Germany, and Japan. While both common law and civil law systems have their strengths, it's important for lawyers to understand the key differences when practicing in different jurisdictions.