common law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common law" is correct and usable in written English.
Common law refers to a body of law based on legal precedents established by courts rather than statutes written by a legislature. For example: "The common law of the state of California states that a person cannot be sued for unintentionally injuring another, even if they are negligent in a certain situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"There is common law.

The New York Times

Common law impediments remained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The evolution of common law.

Harvard University

Statute trumps any common law principle anyway".

The Guardian

Countries outside the common law tradition agree.

The New York Times

How does common law even work, really?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Common-law husbands".

The New Yorker

A common-law thing, no kids.

The New Yorker

We belong to a common-law tradition.

The New Yorker

In common-law jurisdictions these are strong.

The Economist

See also common-law marriage.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal systems, clarify whether you are referring to a "common law" system (like that of the United States or England) or a civil law system to avoid confusion.

Common error

Don't assume that "common law" is simply 'old law'. It's a dynamic system of law developed through judicial decisions, constantly evolving and distinct from statutes enacted by legislatures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common law" functions as a noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase it in various contexts, referring to a system of law based on judicial precedents. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common law" refers to a legal system based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. As shown in Ludwig examples, it is frequently used in contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedia entries. Alternative phrases include "case law" or "judge-made law". A key writing tip is to distinguish "common law" systems from civil law systems to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Case law

Focuses specifically on law established through court decisions.

Judge-made law

Highlights the role of judges in developing the law.

Precedent-based law

Emphasizes the importance of legal precedents.

Unwritten law

Contrasts with codified or statutory law.

Customary law

Law derived from long-standing customs and traditions.

Law of precedent

Highlights the binding nature of past judicial decisions.

Anglo-American law

Refers to the legal system originating in England and adopted by the United States.

Judicial precedent

Emphasizes a specific court decision that serves as a guide for future cases.

Legal precedent

A general term for prior judicial decisions used as a basis for current judgments.

Traditional legal principles

Focuses on legal principles handed down through generations.

FAQs

How is "common law" different from statutory law?

"Common law" is developed by judges through court decisions, while statutory law is enacted by a legislature.

What are some countries that follow the "common law" system?

Countries like the United States, England, Canada, and Australia primarily follow the "common law" system.

What is the role of precedent in "common law"?

Precedent, or past court decisions, is a fundamental aspect of "common law", serving as a guide for future rulings in similar cases.

What is a good alternative to "common law"?

Alternatives such as "case law" or "judge-made law" are good alternatives.