Common law is a legal system that relies on court decisions and precedents rather than written statutes. It originated in England and has been adopted in many countries, including the United States. In this system, judges interpret laws and their rulings become part of the legal framework, guiding future cases. In common law, the principle of stare decisis plays a crucial role, meaning that courts should follow previous rulings when making decisions in similar cases. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and businesses to understand their rights and obligations based on established legal precedents.