commonlaw
adjectiveUK /ˌkɒmən ˈlɔː/
US /ˌkɑːmən ˈlɔː/
Common law is a set of rules made by judges over time instead of by lawmakers.
The judge used common law to decide the case because no written law covered it.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A marriage-like relationship without a formal wedding ceremony.
They lived as a common-law couple for ten years.
3. A partner in a long-term relationship treated as a spouse under certain laws.
Her common-law husband could visit her in the hospital.
4. Law that develops from court decisions rather than from written codes.
Many countries still follow English common law today.