The British legal system is based on common law, which means that laws are developed through court decisions and precedents rather than solely through statutes. It consists of two main branches: criminal law, which deals with offenses against the state, and civil law, which addresses disputes between individuals or organizations. The system is hierarchical, with Magistrates' Courts handling minor cases and Crown Courts dealing with serious crimes. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, ensuring that laws are interpreted consistently across the country. Legal professionals include solicitors and barristers, who represent clients in various legal matters.