The Common Law (by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.)

In "The Common Law," Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. describes how legal principles develop over time through judicial decisions rather than written statutes alone. He emphasizes that law is a flexible, evolving tradition shaped by judges interpreting past rulings to address new situations. Holmes views law as a living instrument, influenced by societal needs, customs, and precedents, rather than a set of fixed rules. This approach allows the law to adapt and stay relevant, balancing stability with societal progress.