A legal system based on comprehensive written codes and statutes rather than judicial precedents, originating from Roman law. Civil law emphasizes detailed legislation and legal codes that judges interpret and apply to specific cases.
From Latin 'jus civile' (law of citizens), referring to the legal system governing Roman citizens. Revived during the medieval period through the rediscovery of Justinian's Code, it spread throughout continental Europe and later to European colonies.
Napoleon's Civil Code of 1804 became one of history's most influential documents, adopted or adapted by over 70 countries worldwide. Unlike common law's emphasis on judicial precedent, civil law systems trust legislators more than judges, reflecting different philosophies about who should make law.
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