Considered to have same force and effect as statutes. Cannot violate constitutions or statues. Also called judge-made law. Comprised of court decisions issued over the centuries, primarily by appellate courts. American common law is based originally on English common law, but has been developing for over 200 years on its own.
Common law differs among state, but similar legal concepts have emerged.
Common law cannot contradict statutes, administrative rules and regulations, or constitutions. Vi Common law s advantages-predictability and uniformity, because of precedent. Decisions which are followed by today s courts, based on rules of law as defined in past appellate court decisions. Precedent that may be followed. Comes from court systems outside the particular state or federal court, which is considering an appeal.