Why is the United State a “common law country”?
We're a common law country because we follow precedents established over hundreds of years in Britain and the U.S. Common law is followed except when statutory law opposes a specific practice. Check this site for more information.
http://www.lectlaw.com/def/c070.htm
The United States is considered a "common law country" because its legal system is based on common law principles. Common law is a legal system that relies on the decisions made by judges in previous cases rather than on written laws or statutes. This system developed in England and was later adopted by the United States.
To understand why the United States follows common law, it's important to know its historical background. When the American colonies were established, they adopted English common law as the basis for their legal system. Even after the American Revolution and the creation of the new nation, many of the legal principles and practices inherited from England were retained.
In common law countries like the United States, judicial decisions play a significant role in shaping the law. When a judge makes a ruling on a case, it becomes a precedent that future judges can refer to when deciding similar cases. This creates a system of legal principles that evolve over time through judicial interpretation and decision-making.
However, it's worth noting that the United States is not exclusively a common law country. It also has statutory law, which refers to laws created by the legislative branch of government. In situations where statutory law conflicts with common law principles, the statutory law usually takes precedence.
To learn more about the concept of common law and how it applies in the United States, you can visit the website you mentioned (http://www.lectlaw.com/def/c070.htm). It provides further information and resources on this topic.