Final answer:
Common law in Great Britain is a system based on precedents established by judges in court decisions. It differs from civil law systems by permitting judges to make law through case interpretation, a foundation defined by early documents such as the Magna Carta.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common law system, especially as practiced in Great Britain, is based on legal principles and doctrines developed by judges through court decisions called precedents. Such decisions guide subsequent cases with similar issues or facts. Originating from medieval England and later adopted internationally, this judge-made legal system contrasts with civil law systems that rely heavily on codified statutes and codes.
One of the most significant early contributions to common law was the Magna Carta, which established the principle of due process. This historic document, signed by King John in 1215, ensured that individuals could not be deprived of their rights without the judgment of their peers. This tradition of respecting legal precedent set the stage for the common law practiced in Great Britain and was influential in shaping the judicial system in the United States.