Common law is a body of law that is developed through the decisions of judges and courts, as opposed to law created by legislative bodies. It is based on legal precedent and the principle of stare decisis, which means that courts should follow the decisions of previous courts on similar cases. Common law is a legal system that originated in England and was adopted by many countries, including the United States.
Louisiana, however, is a state that operates under a civil law system, which is based on written laws and codes rather than common law. The civil law system originated in ancient Rome and is used in many countries throughout the world, including most of Europe and Latin America.
Louisiana's legal system has its roots in the civil law system of France, which was introduced to the state when it was a French colony in the 18th century. However, Louisiana's legal system has also been influenced by the common law system of the United States, particularly in areas of law such as contracts and property.
Although common law principles are not a central part of Louisiana's legal system, they have been introduced to the state through the Louisiana Civil Code, which was first adopted in 1808. The Louisiana Civil Code was heavily influenced by the Napoleonic Code, which was based on civil law principles, but it also incorporated some common law principles, particularly in the areas of property law and torts. Additionally, Louisiana's courts have sometimes looked to common law principles in interpreting and applying the state's civil law.