List of national legal systems

List of National Legal Systems refers to the various legal systems that govern different countries around the world. These systems are primarily based on one or more codified laws, regulations, and judicial precedents. They can be broadly categorized into five main types: Civil Law, Common Law, Customary Law, Religious Law, and Mixed Legal Systems.

Civil Law

Civil Law, also known as Roman law, is the most widespread system of law in the world. It is a codified system where the core principles are codified into a referable system, which serves as the primary source of law. Countries that primarily use civil law include France, Germany, and Japan.

Common Law

Common Law is a system of law that is based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws. This system originated in England and is now in use in countries that were part of the British Empire. Countries that primarily use common law include the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Customary Law

Customary Law is a type of legal system that reflects the customs and practices of a society. It is often based on long-standing traditions and cultural norms. Countries that primarily use customary law include many African nations, such as Ghana and Ethiopia.

Religious Law

Religious Law is a legal system based on religious texts or traditions. The most well-known religious legal system is Sharia, used in some Islamic countries. Other examples include Halakha in Jewish law, and Canon law in Christian tradition.

Mixed Legal Systems

Mixed Legal Systems are systems where two or more types of laws are used concurrently. This can include combinations of civil law, common law, customary law, and religious law. Countries with mixed legal systems include South Africa, India, and Singapore.

See Also

• Comparative law
• Rule of law
• Legal pluralism