North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the definition of judge-made law?

1. Statutory Law

2. Common Law

3. Administrative Law

4. Case Law

The correct answer is: Common Law

The definition of judge-made law refers specifically to the concept of common law. Common law is developed through judicial decisions and precedents rather than through legislative statutes or executive actions. It evolves over time as courts interpret laws, resolve disputes, and set legal standards through their rulings. This body of law is significant in ensuring consistency and predictability in the justice system, as it relies on the application of previously established legal principles to new cases. While case law is also a form of law created by judicial decisions, the term "case law" is often used interchangeably with common law, but it generally refers to the body of law derived from the decisions in individual cases. Statutory law is written law passed by legislative bodies, and administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies. Thus, common law distinctly captures the essence of judge-made law as it pertains to the development and interpretation of legal principles by judges over time.