How does common law evolve?

Common law evolves primarily through judicial decisions made in courts, which establishes precedents that influence future rulings. This process is known as case law or judicial precedent. When judges interpret laws or resolve disputes, their decisions are recorded, and these rulings set a standard for similar future cases. Over time, the accumulation of these judicial decisions leads to the development of legal principles that shape the common law framework.

In contrast, legislative enactments represent a different process for creating law, where the legislature officially passes statutes. While international treaties and administrative rulings can play significant roles in the legal system, they do not directly contribute to the evolution of common law, which relies specifically on court judgments and interpretations rather than legislative or administrative actions.