Final answer:
Determining the 'best' legal system varies by cultural values and societal needs. Common law relies on judicial precedent, Civil law is codified for clarity, Social law integrates societal norms, and Islamic law is rooted in religious principles. Effectiveness depends on the system's ability to serve justice and reflect community values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of which is the best legal system is subjective and depends on a variety of factors including cultural values, history, and societal norms. The four major legal systems mentioned are:
- Common law - Characterized by the doctrine of precedent where past judicial decisions inform future cases, allowing for flexibility and adaptability.
- Civil law - Encompasses a codified set of laws that provide clarity and predictability, and limits judicial discretion.
- Social law - Factors in societal norms within its legal framework, aiming to reflect current social values.
- Islamic law - Based on religious tenets providing a comprehensive legal and moral framework, often applied in Islamic religious states.
The effectiveness of these systems can be evaluated based on how well they serve justice, maintain social order, adapt to change, and reflect the values of the communities they govern. Therefore, one could not definitively say which system is 'best' as each has strengths and challenges unique to the context within which they are applied.