Which legal principle arises from judgments and decisions made in courts rather than explicit legislation?

The correct answer is common law, which is a legal principle that develops through the outcomes of court cases and judicial decisions rather than being established through written statutes or legislation. Common law evolves over time as judges interpret laws and set precedents that guide future cases, creating a body of law that reflects societal values and norms.

This system relies heavily on precedents, meaning that past decisions made in higher courts are used as a reference for making rulings in new cases. As a result, common law can adapt to changing circumstances and societal needs without the necessity of formal legislative processes.

In contrast, statutory law is created through formal legislative action, established by legislative bodies, and documented in written statutes. Civil law refers to a legal system based on written codes and statutes, typically found in countries that follow continental European legal traditions. Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies but also stems from statutes and regulations rather than court decisions. Thus, common law stands out as the principle specifically arising from judicial decisions and the legal interpretations made within individual cases.