What best defines "common law"?

Common law is best defined as a legal system based on judicial decisions. This approach relies heavily on the precedents set by past rulings and interpretations by judges in courts, which shape and inform the legal standards and principles applied in similar future cases. The essence of common law is that it evolves over time through the decisions made by judges, providing flexibility and adaptability to the law as societal norms and situations change.

In contrast to a legal system based on legislation, which is more codified and operates under statutes created by legislative bodies, common law is more fluid and evolves through the adjudication process. It is important to recognize that while civil rights may play a role within common law, its defining characteristic is the reliance on case law rather than solely focusing on civil rights. Additionally, common law does not primarily center on international treaties, which are more applicable in international law contexts rather than domestic legal systems.