Common law

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Common law

Annotation

Common law evolved from common customs practiced in English society. Over time these common practices were enforced by courts of law. English common law was transported to the American colonies and continues to this day to represent the legal aspects of our common everyday interactions. Common law is different from criminal law, which are laws that have been set down in code by legislative bodies. Amendment Seven to the Constitution (part of the Bill of Rights) lays out a formal procedure for pursuing a common law claim (known as a lawsuit) in court.

Citations

Amendment 7

Citations

Amendment 7

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

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