undefined | Better HN

0 pointsBjoernKW8y ago0 comments

What you're describing is the way common law works. Most European jurisdictions work under a civil law system.

0 comments

2 comments · 1 top-level

icebraining8y ago· 1 in thread

It's not black and white, precedent exists in civil law systems as well: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precedent#Civil_law_systems

BjoernKWOP8y ago

Yes, common law and civil law systems have been converging to some extent. In common law systems you have increasing reliance on statutory law while civil law systems increasingly make use of precedents. Still, the basic principles remain.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse