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common law

[kom-uhn law] / ˈkɒm ən ˈlɔ /
NOUN
evolved law
Synonyms


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.

He also said he understood he had "common law employment rights", adding "this will be better understood by lawyers than by me".

From BBC • Mar. 11, 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

When it came to creating this new government, rebelling against and pushing back against restrictions we had experienced under English common law, press freedom was seen to be essential.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 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




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