pre-1985 common law

Pre-1985 common law refers to the body of legal principles and court decisions developed over centuries in England and later adopted in many other countries, including the United States. It is characterized by its reliance on judicial precedents, meaning that past court rulings influence future cases. Common law evolves through the decisions made by judges rather than through written legislation. Before 1985, various legal principles, such as contracts, torts, and property rights, were shaped by these precedents, which created a flexible system allowing the law to adapt to new situations and societal changes.