Which of the following best defines "common law"?

The definition of "common law" is best captured by the idea of judge-made law based on case decisions. Common law has developed over centuries through the rulings and interpretations made by judges in various court cases. This body of law relies on precedents—previous judicial decisions that influence future cases—enabling the legal system to adapt and evolve based on past rulings.

In contrast to written statutes, which are laws formally enacted by a legislative body, common law emerges organically from the judicial system, reflecting practical applications and interpretations of the law rather than being codified in a singular written format. While traditionally accepted practices can inform common law, they do not define it in the same way as judicial decisions do. Additionally, the rules established by regulatory bodies typically pertain to more specialized areas of law and do not encompass the broad legal principles found in common law. Thus, common law fundamentally represents a key aspect of the legal tradition primarily shaped by judges and their rulings.