Which aspect of law does common law typically evolve from?

Common law typically evolves from customary practices and judicial decisions. This system of law is primarily developed through court rulings and precedents set by judges in individual cases. As judges interpret laws and apply them to specific circumstances, they create legal precedents that guide future rulings. Over time, this accumulation of decisions reflects societal values and norms, becoming part of the legal framework.

The roots of common law can be traced back to England, where judge-made laws began to evolve from local customs and were standardized through judicial rulings. This contrasts with codified statutes, which are written laws enacted by legislative bodies, and therefore do not represent the evolving understanding of law through judicial interpretation. Global treaties and legislative amendments are also distinct forms of law-making that do not contribute to the development of common law itself, as they rely on statutory frameworks rather than the customary practices and case law foundational to common law.