Common law follows the past rulings of
King John.
judges.
lawyers.
William Blackstone.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is judges.
Explanation
Common law is a legal system that relies heavily on judicial decisions and precedents set by judges in prior cases, rather than solely on statutes or written laws. This system originated in England during the medieval period and has evolved over centuries.
Judges play a crucial role in common law as they interpret and apply legal principles to specific cases. Their decisions become part of the body of law, forming precedents that influence future rulings. This principle is known as stare decisis, which means “to stand by things decided.” It promotes consistency and predictability in the legal system, as similar cases are treated in a similar manner.
While King John, the early English monarch, is historically significant for his role in the Magna Carta of 1215—which established certain legal rights and limited the power of the monarchy—his rulings do not form the basis of common law. Instead, it is the judges who apply these principles through their interpretations of the law in actual cases.
William Blackstone, an 18th-century legal scholar, significantly influenced the common law system with his writings, particularly “Commentaries on the Laws of England.” While his work is important in understanding common law, it is the judges who enact and enforce the law through their rulings.
Lawyers, on the other hand, are advocates for their clients and do not create law. They present cases before judges, but it is the judges’ rulings that create binding legal precedents.
In summary, common law is fundamentally built on the decisions of judges, which establish precedents that guide future cases, making judges the cornerstone of the common law system.