British common law is a legal system that originated in England and is based on court decisions and judicial precedents rather than written statutes. It emphasizes the role of judges in interpreting laws and resolving disputes, allowing for flexibility and adaptation over time. This system is characterized by the principle of stare decisis, which means that courts are bound to follow previous rulings in similar cases. Common law has influenced many legal systems around the world, particularly in countries that were once part of the British Empire, such as Canada and Australia.