What is the distinction between common law and statutory law?

Common law and statutory law are two distinct types of law in Washington state. Common law is based on precedent and is made up of court opinions and decisions from courts, and is largely based on tradition and the interpretation of prior cases. Statutory law, in contrast, is enacted by the legislature, and consists of laws passed by elected representatives in the state legislature and other local governing bodies. Common law is meant to be applied generally and is not specific to a given situation. It has also been developed over centuries, making it extremely complex and difficult to understand. Statutory law, on the other hand, is more specific and is more straightforward than common law. It is usually written in a more precise and detailed way, making it easier to understand and use in practice. In Washington, both common law and statutory law work together to shape and regulate the legal system. All cases in the state must be decided based on both common and statutory law. However, the statutes that are passed by the legislature are usually given more weight than the common law precedent set by court decisions. This means that when it comes to specific cases, judges in Washington courts may be more likely to use the statutory law that has been passed by the legislature rather than relying solely on the prior court decisions.

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What is the distinction between common law and statutory law?

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