The Common Law (book)

"The Common Law" is a foundational work by legal scholar Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., examining the development of law through judicial decisions and case analysis. It emphasizes that law evolves incrementally, shaped by judicial reasoning and societal needs rather than just statutes. Holmes argues that understanding legal principles involves looking at how courts have historically resolved disputes, highlighting the importance of precedent and judicial interpretation. The book offers insight into the organic nature of law, stressing its role in adapting to changing social conditions, and remains a key text for understanding the principles underlying the English and American legal systems.