The common law system of law making came before
the parliamentary system. It began in England in the
11th century with the establishment by William the
Conqueror, King of England, of the Kings Courts.
The courts, in deciding local disputes, applied local
customs. Over time, these customs became rules
and were the basis for later courts to make decisions
on similar disputes. The common law changed and
developed as different types of disputes developed and
different customs evolved. The common law was the
main body of law until the 17th century when the British
Parliament increased its law-making power and activity
(this resulted in more laws coming into being through
Acts of Parliament. Common law is often referred to as
‘judge-made’ law