Final answer:
Common law is exemplified by cases where a judge's decision relies on precedent. Examples include Harriet Barker's acquittal due to past cases with checkout kiosks and the conviction of three individuals for mischief based on similar past cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of common law being applied in a judge's decision are seen when a judge uses precedent set by past cases to decide current cases. Common law is foundational in the legal system of many English-speaking countries and is characterized by the doctrine of stare decisis, meaning to stand by decided cases and to not disturb the undisturbed. In the options provided, the one that most clearly represents an application of common law is:
Option 3: Harriet Barker's acquittal due to past cases involving automatic checkout kiosk issues.
- Option 4: Eric, Devon, and Fred's conviction for mischief/vandalism based on a precedent involving school pranks.
- Both options demonstrate the use of precedent in making a judicial ruling. In option 3, the acquittal likely comes from previous cases that have shaped the understanding of liability in situations involving automatic checkout kiosks. In option 4, the conviction is based on existing legal principles derived from prior mischief/vandalism cases. In contrast, options 1 and 2, which concern eyewitness testimony and a traffic infraction based on automated evidence, respectively, do not explicitly indicate reliance on precedent or past rulings in the application of law.
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