Final answer:
The medieval English concept of common law is best described by the fact that judges made rulings based on previous, similar cases, thereby following established judicial precedents. This system is a key element of the historical evolution of English law that underscores the importance of continuity and respect for past court decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about the medieval English concept of common law is that C. Judges made their rulings based on previous, similar cases. Common law, also known as case law or precedent, is deeply rooted in the respect for decisions of previous courts, indicating the expectation for future courts to respect and apply the rulings made by the courts before them. This system is in contrast to other legal systems that were based on codes of honor and reciprocity, such as the so-called "feudal" system, and stands in contrast to code law systems, which are more prescriptive and allow less room for judicial interpretation.
Notable individuals like Sir William Blackstone advocated for the Rule of Law and the principles of British Common Law, leading to the ongoing doctrine that even monarchs, as affirmed by documents like the Magna Carta, were subject to the laws, thereby establishing trial by jury and other legal precedents that persist to this day. This evolution towards a legal system where rulings were made based on past judgments helped shape public policy and law-making processes significantly in medieval England and later influenced the legal traditions of the American colonies.