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The '''common law''' is a non-codified form of [[law]] based on long-accepted customs and [[tradition]]s. It developed in [[England]] from the reign of [[Henry II]] in the 12th century and continued in former and current British territories and [[colony|colonies]]. Common law was also the product of the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s, [[Jew]]s, [[Viking]]s, and [[Roman]]s. It was referred to as the common law because it was (and remains) common to all of England. The [[United States]] (except for [[Louisiana]]) and the [[United Kingdom]] are two prominent [[countries]] that have a common law legal system. The [[International Court of Justice|ICJ]] also uses common law.

The '''common law''' is a non-codified form of [[law]] based on long-accepted customs and [[tradition]]s. It developed in [[England]] over many centuries, beginning with the reign of [[Henry II]] in the 12th century and continued in former and current British territories and [[colony|colonies]]. Common law was also the product of the [[Anglo-Saxon]]s, [[Jew]]s, [[Viking]]s, and [[Roman]]s. It was referred to as the common law because it was (and remains) common to all of England. The [[United States]] (except for [[Louisiana]]) and the [[United Kingdom]] are two prominent [[countries]] that have a common law legal system. The [[International Court of Justice|ICJ]] also uses common law.

The term is used to denote three distinct concepts:

The term is used to denote three distinct concepts:

1. Common law as opposed to [[statute]] law. That is, the law of precedent as opposed to the law expressed in [[legislation]].  In the common law countries judges will apply the common law in the absence of a statute governing a particular matter in issue.

1. Common law as opposed to [[statute|statutory]] law. That is, the law of precedent as opposed to the law expressed in [[legislation]].  In the common law countries judges will apply the common law in the absence of a statute governing a particular matter in issue.

2. Common law as opposed to [[Civil Law]]. That is, the common law legal system as opposed to the legal system adopted by most of continental [[Europe]].

2. Common law as opposed to [[Civil Law]]. That is, the common law legal system as opposed to the legal system adopted by most of continental [[Europe]].