common law

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When it came to creating this new government, rebelling against and pushing back against restrictions we had experienced under English common law, press freedom was seen to be essential.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

Misconduct in Public Office is part of England's "common law" - which means judges came up with it hundreds of years ago, rather than Parliament.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

In the modern era, the British heritage of common law, freedom of speech and personal virtue didn’t constrain innovation but produced it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Under Islamic law, which operates alongside common law in Pakistan, the family of a killed relative can accept financial compensation from the perpetrators in exchange for forgiveness, leaving them free from prosecution.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

Alabama and common law pleading, for instance, was a subject so ethereal in nature that Henry passed it only by memorizing the book.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee