Common law is primarily based on what?

• A. Statutes
• B. Judicial decisions
• C. Administrative regulations
• D. International treaties

Answer: (B)

Common law is based on judicial decisions and the doctrine of precedent, where courts interpret and apply rules established in earlier cases to new disputes. This body of law evolves as judges write opinions that others follow when similar facts arise, creating a system of rules that originate from case law rather than a formal code. While statutes, administrative regulations, and international treaties can influence how the law is applied, they are not the primary source of common law. The key idea is that the decisions of courts themselves shape the rules that govern behavior, with earlier rulings guiding future judgments.