CFE – Law — Question 36

Which of the following examples of judicial systems would BEST be described as a common law system?

Answer options

• A. The courts are bound primarily by previous court decisions to resolve legal issues.
• B. The courts are bound by both previous court decisions and statuses passed by legislatures.
• C. The courts are allowed to consider both codified statutes and previous court decisions but are bound by neither.
• D. The courts are bound by codified principles or statutes but are not bound by previous court decisions.

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer, A, describes the essence of a common law system, where legal precedents set by previous court rulings guide judicial decisions. Option B indicates a hybrid system that includes statutory law, while C and D suggest a more flexible approach that does not adhere to previous court decisions, which is not characteristic of common law.