Common law doctrines derive primarily from which source?

Common law doctrines primarily originate from judicial opinions, also known as case law. This legal system, prevalent in many countries including the United States, is built on the decisions made by judges in individual cases over time. When judges interpret statutes, apply legal principles, or set precedents, these rulings become part of the common law. This gradual accumulation of judicial decisions creates a framework that governs similar future cases, offering consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

Legislation, while important, refers to laws enacted by legislative bodies rather than the evolving body of common law based on judicial interpretation. International treaties may influence certain aspects of law, but they do not form the basis of common law itself. Regulatory agencies create rules and regulations but are not the primary source of common law doctrines. Thus, judicial opinions serve as the cornerstone of common law, shaping legal principles through their interpretations and rulings over time.