How does civil law differ from common law?

Civil law and common law differ in various ways. In Virginia, civil law is codified, meaning it is written down in the form of laws, rules, and regulations. Common law is based on precedent, meaning judicial decisions establish the laws. In civil law, the court considers the facts of the case and applies the law as it is written. In common law, the facts of the case are compared to past decisions to decide what the law should be applied. Civil law is more structured than common law and tends to be more consistent from state to state. Common law is more flexible, with judges making rulings based on the facts of the case, which can lead to different rulings in different states. Common law also relies more on the oral tradition, which is less structured and changes over time. Civil law is most often used for uncontested matters, such as those involving contracts and property. Common law is used when there is dispute or controversy, such as an area of law with no clear legal rule. Overall, civil law and common law are two different types of legal systems, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Civil law is more structured and predictable, while common law is more flexible and dynamic. In Virginia, both civil law and common law are used to settle disputes and decide cases.

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