civil law system
The civil law system is a legal framework primarily based on written laws and statutes. Originating in Europe, it features comprehensive codes that govern various legal matters, such as contracts and property. Judges play a key role in interpreting these codes but have less discretion than in common law systems, where case precedents hold significant weight. In civil law countries, legal proceedings often rely on detailed legal documents rather than oral arguments, emphasizing the importance of written law to ensure consistency and clarity in legal decision-making. Examples of civil law countries include France, Germany, and Japan.
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The Civil Law System is a legal framework based on written laws and statutes, rather than court precedents. It originated in continental Europe and is used in many countries worldwide. In this system, legal codes outline clear rules and principles that judges apply to specific cases. Judges have a limited role in shaping the law and primarily interpret and enforce existing statutes. Key features include comprehensive legal codes covering various subjects, like civil and criminal law, ensuring consistency and predictability in legal outcomes. This contrasts with Common Law systems, where court decisions play a more significant role in law development.