Although Britain is a unitary state, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have their own legal systems, with considerable differences in law, organisation and practice. However, a large amount of modern legislation applies throughout Britain. The distinction between the two branches of the law is reflected in the procedures used, the courts in which cases may be heard and the sanctions which may be applied. Common law, which is based on custom and interpreted in court cases by judges, has never been precisely defined or codified. It forms the basis of the law except when superseded by legislation.
Equity law consists of a body of historic rules and principles which are applied by the courts.
The English legal system is therefbre distinct from many of those of Western Europe, which have codes derived from Roman law. It is normally applied by the domestic courts, but the most authoritative rulings are given by the European Court. The Judiciary The Lord Chancellor is head of the judiciary in England and Wales. His responsibilities include court procedure and, through the Court Service, the administration of the higher courts and many tribunals in England and Wales. Judges are normally appointed from practising lawyers.