What distinguishes common law from statutory law?

The distinction of common law being based on historical court decisions is fundamental to its definition. Common law evolves from judgments made by courts and tribunals, interpreting statutes and principles based on previous rulings. This body of law is often referred to as case law and reflects the legal precedents set by earlier cases, allowing it to adapt to new situations while providing continuity and predictability in the judicial process.

This approach allows common law to be more flexible than statutory law, which is created through legislative statutes and can require specific legislative action to change. While statutory law is written and enacted by legislative bodies with precise wording, common law is shaped through the interpretations and decisions of judges over time, giving it a more organic development.

The other options describe aspects that do not accurately represent the nature of common law. Common law does not apply only to criminal matters; it encompasses civil matters as well. Additionally, while common law does adapt over time, it does not do so as rapidly as statutory law can change through legislative processes. Therefore, recognizing that common law is fundamentally rooted in judicial decisions helps clarify its distinguishing features compared to statutory law.