common law
/ˈkɑmən ˌlɔ/
adjective
- Relating to a system of law based on court decisions and custom rather than written statutes.
- In common-law countries like the United States, judges' rulings set important precedents.
- The lawyer explained how common-law principles differ from civil law systems.
- Many common-law rules about property have been in place for centuries.
- Describing a relationship in which a couple lives together and is recognized as married without a formal ceremony or legal registration.
- She listed her common-law husband as the beneficiary on her insurance policy.
- After living together for seven years, they decided to enter a common-law marriage.
- Some states recognize common-law partners as having the same rights as married couples.
noun
- The body of law derived from judicial decisions and custom, rather than from statutes or constitutions.
- Students in law school study both common-law and statutory law.
- Common-law evolves over time as judges interpret new cases.
- The concept of precedent is central to common-law.