Common law (also known as judicial precedent, judge-made law, or case law) is the
body of law primarily developed through judicial decisions rather than statutes.[2][3]
Although common law may incorporate certain statutes, it is largely based on
precedent—judicial rulings made in previous similar cases.[4] The presiding judge
determines which precedents to apply in deciding each new case.[4]
Common law is deeply rooted in stare decisis ("to stand by things decided"), where
courts follow precedents established by previous decisions.[5] When a similar case has
been resolved, courts typically align their reasoning with the precedent set in that
decision.[5] However, in a "case of first impression" with no precedent or clear
legislative guidance, judges are empowered to resolve the issue and establish new
precedent.[6][7]
