Common Law
Definition
- A system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws. Common law originated in the unwritten laws of England.
Notes
Laws developed by judges through court decisions and precedent.
Synonyms
evolved law, non-statutory law, case law, precedent
Acronyms
CL
Alternate Spellings
Case law, Precident
Related Terms and Acronyms
- Adverse Possession — Definition,
- A means of getting title to land by using it without the objection of the title holder.
- Common Law Marriage (CLM) — Acronym,
- To be recognized as being married without foregoing a matrimonial ceremony.
- Expropriation — Definition,
- The seizing of property to the government or other party for public use or economic development.
- Injunction — Definition,
- A court order that prohibits a party from taking a specific course of action.
- Insurance Attorney — Definition,
- An attorney who works with insurance law.
- Lawsuit — Definition,
- A suit brought before a court in order to remedy an alleged injustice.
- Specific Performance — Definition,
- A remedy in a court of equity compelling a defendant to carry out the terms of an agreement or contract. It is available only where the remedy of damages cannot afford adequate relief to the plaintiff.
- Statute — Definition,
- A law established by an act of the legislature.
- Statute of Frauds (SOF) — Acronym,
- A law which provides that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable at law. This includes real estate contracts.
- Statute of Limitations (SOL) — Acronym,
- A period of time specified by statute within which an action at law must be brought or else be forfeited.
- Statutory Liability — Definition,
- Liability that is assigned by law and is not open for interpretation.
- Subrogation — Definition,
- When an insurance company has the right to take legal action against a third party for damages.
- Unisex Legislation — Definition,
- Laws that prevent insurers from using gender as a factor when calculating premiums.
