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Law Resources: The Basics: United Kingdom and Commonwealth

What is it?

Common Law, also known as judicial precedent or judge-made law, or case law, is the body of law created by judges and similar bodies in written opinions. Common law courts look to past precedential decisions of relevant courts, and synthesizes the principles of those past cases as applicable to the current facts. If a similar dispute has been resolved in the past, the court is usually bound to follow the reasoning used in the prior decision (a principle known as stare decisis). If a court finds that the current dispute is fundamentally distinct from all previous, judges have the authority and duty to resolve the issue. The court states an opinion that gives reasons for the decisions. These decisions, combined with past decisions are precedents to bind future judges and litigants. 

Collection (available in print and online)

The U.K. and Commonwealth Case Law Collection consists of statutes (laws, acts, legislation), reporters and cases, some dating back as far as the 12th century. 

How to access it:

  • Online versions of these titles can be searched using the databases listed on the right.
  • For print versions of these titles, portions can be requested via Scan and Send service.
  • For help finding these titles, please email library.services@usask.ca.

Online Access