What is the difference between civil law and common law?

The difference between civil law and common law is a fundamental concept in jurisprudence law in Maryland. Civil laws are statutory laws, which are written and enacted by a legislature or other governing body. Civil laws lay out the rules and regulations that individuals and organizations must adhere to in any given jurisdiction. Common law, on the other hand, is based on court opinions and decisions. Common law is rooted in the notion of stare decisis, which means that when a court rules on a specific question of law, it sets a precedent that must be followed in future cases addressing a similar legal issue. Civil laws tend to be much more specific than common law. Civil laws cover a wide range of topics, from tort laws to property laws to consumer protection laws. Common law, however, tends to be more general and less comprehensive. It is based on the evolution of court decisions over time, as judges draw on past decisions to resolve current disputes. Unlike civil law, common law does not have the force of statute. That is, common law is not binding law unless it is adopted by a legislature or otherwise made part of the law of a particular jurisdiction. In some cases, courts may reject a rule of common law in favor of a statute. However, a court may choose to follow precedent in a particular matter, even when the statute conflicts with the common law ruling. Ultimately, civil law and common law have distinct differences, and they play different roles in the legal system in Maryland. Civil laws lay out specific rules and regulations, while common law provides the precedents that guide courts when resolving disputes.

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What is the difference between civil law and common law?

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