common law
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Blockaders even developed a legal argument to justify their actions, drawing on the common law defense of necessity, which allows someone to break a law to achieve a greater moral good.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
Chief Justice John Roberts stressed in the Jarkesy majority opinion that government penalties “designed to punish or deter the wrongdoer” are a “prototypical common law remedy.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
It can be traced to English common law, which imposed a duty on parents to prevent foreseeable damage or harm done by their children.
From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026
Misconduct in Public Office is part of England's "common law" - which means judges came up with it hundreds of years ago, rather than Parliament.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
Alabama and common law pleading, for instance, was a subject so ethereal in nature that Henry passed it only by memorizing the book.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
