What are the three primary ways laws are created?

The creation of laws primarily occurs through three distinct methods: statute law, case law, and common law.

Statute law refers to laws that are enacted by legislative bodies, such as parliaments or congresses. These laws are codified and written down, providing a clear and structured legal framework that governs specific issues or behaviors within a jurisdiction.

Case law is developed through judicial decisions made in courts. When judges interpret statutes and apply them to specific cases, their rulings establish precedents that can influence future court decisions. This body of law evolves as courts reinterpret existing laws, adapting to new circumstances and changing societal values.

Common law, on the other hand, is law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes. It is based on the historical judgments of courts and the principles developed over time, providing a flexible legal framework that allows for interpretation based on specific situations.

Together, these three methods represent the core processes through which legal rules and principles are formed, ensuring that the law remains relevant and responsive to the needs of society.