Socialist law is the legal systems in communist states such as the former Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. Academic opinion is divided on whether it is a separate system from civil law, given major deviations based on Marxist–Leninist ideology, such as subordinating the judiciary to the executive ruling party. One definition is that law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behaviour. English common law was largely customary law and unwritten, until discovered, applied, and reported by the courts of law. In a narrow sense, common law is the phrase still used to distinguish case law from statutory law.
- The specific system that a country is ruled by is often determined by its history, connections with other countries, or its adherence to international standards.
- The main institutions of law in industrialised countries are independent courts, representative parliaments, an accountable