Questions and Answers - Get Expert Answers to Your Queries

Answer:-

The civil law system is a legal framework primarily based on codified laws, statutes, and regulations. It originated from Roman law and is prevalent in continental Europe, Latin America, Asia, and parts of Africa. In a civil law system:

1. Codification: Laws are typically codified into comprehensive statutes or codes, which serve as the primary source of law. These codes cover various legal areas such as contracts, property, torts, and civil procedure.
2. Role of Precedent: Precedent or case law plays a less significant role compared to common law systems like those in the UK and the US. While past judicial decisions may be considered persuasive, they are not binding on subsequent cases. Instead, decisions are primarily based on the interpretation and application of statutory law.
3. Inquisitorial Process: The legal process in civil law systems often follows an inquisitorial model, where judges play an active role in investigating cases, gathering evidence, and determining the facts of the matter. This is in contrast to the adversarial system common in common law jurisdictions, where opposing parties present their cases before a neutral judge or jury.
4. Legal Education and Profession: Legal education and the practice of law in civil law systems typically emphasize a strong understanding of statutory law and legal codes. Lawyers are trained to navigate complex statutes and provide legal advice based on these codified laws.
5. Distinct Legal Institutions: Civil law systems may have unique legal institutions such as civil law notaries, who play a significant role in drafting legal documents, especially in matters related to property and contracts.

Overall, the civil law system provides a structured and comprehensive legal framework based on written laws, with an emphasis on clarity, predictability, and the role of legal professionals in interpreting and applying statutory provisions to resolve disputes.