Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

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What are past decisions of the courts that form the foundation of the U.S. legal system called?

Statutory laws
Common laws
Constitutional laws
Administrative laws

The correct answer is: Common laws

The correct answer is "common laws" because common law refers to legal principles and rules that are developed through judicial decisions over time, rather than through statutes or legislative enactments. In the United States, common law is rooted in English law and forms a significant part of the legal framework, evolving through the precedents set in court decisions. These judicial interpretations help shape the application of laws in subsequent cases, establishing a foundation for the legal system. Statutory laws are created and enacted by legislatures, thus they do not derive from past court decisions. Constitutional laws pertain specifically to the interpretation and application of the Constitution, while administrative laws govern the rules and regulations created by administrative agencies. Therefore, while all these elements contribute to the U.S. legal system, it is the common laws that specifically arise from past court rulings.