The United Kingdom operates under a Common Law system, primarily characterized by the doctrine of judicial precedent, or *stare decisis*.

In Common Law jurisdictions like the UK, decisions made by higher courts are binding on lower courts in subsequent cases with similar facts. This principle of *stare decisis* (Latin for 'to stand by things decided') ensures consistency, predictability, and fairness across the legal system. Judges don't just apply existing laws; their interpretations and rulings, particularly from appellate courts, become new law, creating a dynamic body of case law that evolves over time. This continuous development by judges is a hallmark of Common Law, distinguishing it from codified systems. This reliance on precedent means that legal research often involves delving into past judgments to find relevant analogies and rulings. Lawyers argue not only based on statutes but also heavily on how similar cases have been decided historically, making legal arguments a blend of statutory interpretation and historical analysis of case law. This iterative process allows the law to adapt organically to societal changes without always requiring new legislation.