Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: LEX COMMUNIS
Definition: Lex communis means the common law. It is also known as jus commune.
Lex communis is a set of laws that are commonly accepted and followed by people in a particular region or country. It is based on customs, traditions, and judicial decisions made by courts over time. These laws are not written down in one specific document, but are instead a collection of legal principles that have been established over time.
For example, in the United States, the lex communis is based on English common law, which was brought over by the colonists. This includes principles such as the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the right to a jury.
Definition: Lex communis is a Latin term that refers to the common law. It is also known as jus commune.
Example: In the United States, the common law system is used in most states. This means that judges rely on previous court decisions to make rulings in similar cases. For example, if a judge is deciding a case involving a car accident, they may look to previous cases with similar circumstances to help them make a decision.
The example illustrates how the common law system works. Instead of relying solely on written laws, judges use previous court decisions to guide their rulings. This helps to create consistency and predictability in the legal system.