common law doctrines

Common law doctrines are legal principles developed over time through court decisions, rather than written laws. They guide courts in deciding cases by establishing standards for behavior, rights, and responsibilities. These doctrines help ensure consistent legal interpretation and application across similar situations. Examples include doctrines like *estoppel*, which prevents someone from contradicting their previous statements, or *negligence*, which determines when someone is legally responsible for harm caused by carelessness. Essentially, common law doctrines serve as flexible, judge-made rules that adapt to new circumstances while providing predictability in the legal system.