Key Differences between the Civil and the Common Law Legal Systems

Abstract

The common law and civil law legal systems are the two most prevalent legal systems in the world. The two systems grew in different historical contexts. The civil law developed from the Roman Law through the Justinian's codifications to the codifications in Western Europe particularly France and Germany. The common law, on the other hand, emerged from the decisions of the King’s Courts in the England Feudal System. Currently, the major differences between the two systems are the sources of laws, the structure of the courts and the role justice actors, particularly, judges and lawyers play in the system

Keywords: common law, civil law, Jury, case law, Legislation