What is common law primarily based on?

Common law is primarily based on judicial precedent, which refers to the principle that past court decisions serve as a guide for future cases. This system relies on the outcomes and interpretations of law established in previous court rulings, allowing for consistency and predictability in legal decisions. When courts face cases that involve similar facts or legal principles, they often look to prior judgments to inform their rulings. This approach helps create a body of law that evolves over time as new decisions are made and societal norms change.

Other elements, like legislative action, are part of statutory law, which is created through the enactment of legislation by governing bodies. While international treaties and executive orders can play important roles in the legal landscape, they do not define the basis of common law, which distinctly stems from court decisions and legal interpretations made in the judicial system.