common law

common law

noun

  1. a : the body of law that was first developed in the English courts of law as distinguished from equity and that allows for particular remedies (as damages or replevin) in suits at common law…the right of trial by jury shall be preserved —U.S. Constitution amend. VII — compare equity 2

    b : the body of law developed in England that is the basis of U.S. federal law and of state law in all states except Louisiana — compare civil law 2, statutory law

common-law

adjective

  1. : of, relating to, or based on the common law common-law immunity

  1. : relating to or based on a common-law marriage her common-law husband