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What is the main source of civil court law?

  1. Statutory law

  2. Common law precedence

  3. International law

  4. Administrative regulations

The correct answer is: Common law precedence

The main source of civil court law stems from common law precedence, which refers to the body of law developed through judicial decisions rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action. This legal framework relies heavily on the principles established in previous court cases, which judges use to guide their decisions in current cases. When courts interpret laws or assess legal principles, they look to past rulings to ensure consistency and fairness in application. This reliance on precedent enables a degree of predictability within the legal system, as similar cases are expected to be resolved in similar ways based on established judicial interpretations. Therefore, common law precedence plays a crucial role in shaping civil court law and allows for the evolution of legal principles over time through judicial review and interpretation.