What are the origins of "common law?"

Answer by  romanguy (233)

The term "Common law" refers to the legal system in invented in England where lower courts must abide by the decisions of higher courts. u.S. law is based on common law. Common law assures that people will be treated fairly in any local jurisdiction because courts must abide by similar rulings.

Answer by  patti (29325)

The term "common law" refers to a precedent-based element within the law, as opposed to statutory law. Common law was invented in England by three courts so that there was essentially one law common to all three that could be applied irrespective of local courts.

Answer by  flamiss22 (5081)

In some states like Texas if you live with a person for a certain length of time you will be considered married if you break up although you never did.

Answer by  knowitall39 (475)

"Common law" usually refers to a common law marriage. Common law marriage is where a man and a woman have lived together long enough to be common law married. Common law marriages do not have the same rights and privileges as people that are legally married. Common law marriages also come up in terms of same sex marriage.

Answer by  Ron27 (465)

Common law, often known as "British Common Law," are the torts that were forbidden in Britain before the USA was established. Torts in the US are based on common law. These torts include assault, battery, misrepresentation (fraud), conversion (theft), negligence, etc. Some newer torts, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, have been added to the US common law.

Answer by  palaeologus (564)

Certain legal principles that were originally unwritten but that have been applied by English courts over the last ten centuries or so (and later by most American courts as well).

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

Common law is the body of law built up over time, based on prior precedences. Common law marriage was a man and woman living as husband and wife without documentation.