Common law and legislative law

Tweet

Common law countries include Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, USA, Canada, Israel, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Jamoca, Belize, Bahamas, Berminda, Mauritius, Figi, Tonga and most other Pacific islands. Common law means judge-made law. Common law includes decisions made by judges where no legislation or law applies. For example broken contracts and negligence which deals with harm or damage caused by lack of reasonable care. Also when the courts have to work out the meaning and application of a particular law or legislation. Equity is a form of common law or 'judge-made law' that was developed to overcome some of the gaps in the common law system.