Which term refers to law developed through judicial decisions and precedents?

The term that refers to law developed through judicial decisions and precedents is known as Common Law. This body of law evolves over time as judges interpret laws and make rulings in individual cases, setting legal precedents that can affect future cases. These precedents are critical because they provide consistency and predictability in the legal system, allowing similar cases to be treated in a similar manner based on prior judicial decisions.

Common Law is distinguished from Statutory Law, which is established through legislation passed by the legislature. While statutory laws are written and codified, Common Law is based on the outcomes of specific cases, making it more flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Moreover, Common Law often interacts with Equity Law, which addresses situations where the strict application of Common Law would result in an unjust outcome. Criminal Law, on the other hand, pertains specifically to offenses against the state and the regulation of conduct that is considered harmful to society, and is also primarily based on statutes rather than judicial precedents.