Translation guide
A legal system based on court precedents and customs rather than written statutes. In Japanese, this is typically expressed as a direct loan translation or explained descriptively.
The body of law derived from judicial decisions and custom, as opposed to statutory law.
Direct loanword from English, widely understood in legal contexts. Often used when contrasting with civil law systems.
The UK is a common law country.
A marriage recognized by cohabitation and reputation, not by a formal ceremony or license.
The phrase 'common law' when referring to marriage does not translate directly as 慣習法 (customary law). Use 内縁 or 事実婚 instead.
She lives with her common-law husband.
内縁 (naien) is a broader term for any de facto marital relationship, often used in legal contexts regarding rights and obligations. 事実婚 (jijitsukon) is more commonly used in social discussions about couples who intentionally choose not to register their marriage.
Literally 'Anglo-American law', used to refer to the common law tradition shared by England and the United States.
In common law, precedents are emphasized.
Literally 'case law', emphasizing the role of judicial precedents. Can be used to explain the concept.
The principles of common law are based on court decisions.
Literally 'customary law', but can be used in historical contexts to refer to common law as law based on custom.
Medieval customary law is the origin of common law.
Refers to a de facto marriage, a couple living together as husband and wife without legal registration. This is the closest Japanese concept.
They are in a common-law marriage.
Literally 'de facto marriage', often used in modern contexts to describe couples who choose not to register their marriage legally.
The number of common-law couples is increasing.
Direct translation of 'common-law marriage', used mainly in discussions of foreign legal systems.
Common-law marriage is recognized in some US states.