page_title: English law
section_title: Sources of English law
hierarchical_section_title: English law / Sources of English law
context_page_description: English law is the common law legal system of England and Wales, comprising mainly criminal law and civil law, each branch having its own courts and procedures. It is also, more accurately, termed the law of England and Wales and is applied in agreements that parties will adopt the jurisdiction of England and Wales as well as for matters within the physical jurisdiction.
context_section_description: In England, there is a hierarchy of sources, as follows:
  European Union law
  Legislation (primary and secondary)
  The case law rules of common law and equity, derived from precedent decisions
  Parliamentary conventions
  General customs
  Books of authority
  Parliamentary conventions should not be confused with international conventions, which are treaties adopted and ratified by Parliament.
  Such as Coke and Blackstone.
caption: Sir William Blackstone in 1774, after his appointment as a Justice of the Court of King's Bench
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