common law
Definition of common law
: the body of law developed in England primarily from judicial decisions based on custom and precedent, unwritten in statute or code, and constituting the basis of the English legal system and of the system in all of the U.S. except Louisiana
Explore M-W
First Known Use of common law
14th century
COMMON LAW Defined for English Language Learners
common law
Definition of common law for English Language Learners
-
: the laws that developed from English court decisions and customs and that form the basis of laws in the U.S.
Law Dictionary
common law
Legal Definition of common law
: a body of law that is based on custom and general principles and embodied in case law and that serves as precedent or is applied to situations not covered by statute the common law of torts: as a : the body of law that was first developed in the English courts of law as distinguished from equity and that allows for particular remedies (as damages or replevin) in suits at common law…the right of trial by jury shall be preserved — U.S. Constitution amend. VII — compare equity 2 b : the body of law developed in England that is the basis of U.S. federal law and of state law in all states except Louisiana — compare civil law 2, statutory law
Learn More about common law
-
Britannica English: Translation of common law for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about common law
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up common law? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!