The European legal system is a complex and diverse one, comprising elements of civil law, common law, and beyond.
Civil law, also known as continental law, is a legal system derived from Roman law that is based on statutes and codes. In civil law systems, judges rely on codified statutes, case law, and other sources of law to make decisions. Civil law systems are characterized by their emphasis on written law as opposed to the common law system of relying on precedent. Civil law is the predominant system of law in Continental Europe, countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, and is also found in many countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Common law, also known as case law, is a legal system based on the decisions of judges and tribunals. Common law systems rely on precedent, which means that decisions made in previous cases are taken into consideration when making decisions in current cases. Common law is the predominant system of law in England, Wales, Ireland, and other countries formerly part of the British Empire, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In addition to civil law and common law, many countries in Europe have adopted or developed unique legal systems to address their specific needs. For example, Scotland has a unique system of law based on Roman law and common law, known as Scots law. In the Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey have their own systems of law, known as Jersey law and Guernsey law. Similarly, in Finland, the legal system is based on the Finnish Civil Code, which incorporates elements of both civil and common law.
Finally, European countries are members of the European Union, which has its own legal system governing matters of trade, competition, and human rights. This system, known as European Union Law, is based on treaties and legislation passed by the European Council and the European Parliament.
In conclusion, the European legal system is a complex one, made up of a variety of legal systems, including civil law, common law, and beyond. Each system is tailored to the specific needs of the countries in which they are practiced, and together they form a comprehensive and diverse legal system for the European Union.