What are the 4 major legal systems?
The Four Major Legal Systems
Globally, legal systems are generally classified into four major types. Each system has its own unique origins, principles, and methods of administration:
- Common Law
- Originated in England and spread to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Relies heavily on judicial decisions and precedent (past court rulings).
- Courts interpret laws, and their interpretations become part of the law itself.
- Civil Law
- Originated in continental Europe, particularly France and Germany.
- Based on comprehensive written codes and statutes.
- Judges apply the codes and statutes rather than relying on precedent.
- Religious Law
- Derived from religious texts and traditions.
- Examples include Islamic (Sharia) law, Jewish (Halakha) law, and Canon law in the Catholic Church.
- Religious authorities often play a significant role in interpretation and enforcement.
- Customary Law
- Based on long-standing traditions and customs of a particular community or group.
- Common in parts of Africa, Asia, and among Indigenous populations.
- Often unwritten and passed down orally through generations.
Many countries use a combination of these systems, creating a hybrid legal framework.