What does the term "common law" imply in legal terms?

The term "common law" refers to a system of law that is primarily based on judicial decisions and precedents established by the courts over time. This legal framework allows judges to interpret laws and apply them to specific cases, creating a body of law that evolves with the rulings of various courts. As such, the decisions made in previous court cases serve as guiding principles for future cases, ensuring a degree of consistency and predictability in the legal system.

Judges rely on past rulings, or case law, to resolve new disputes, meaning the law develops organically rather than being solely codified in written statutes. This reliance on precedents distinguishes common law from statutory law, which derives from formal legislation enacted by governing bodies. In essence, the strength of common law lies in its adaptability and responsiveness to new legal challenges and societal changes, providing a dynamic approach to the administration of justice.