What significant reform did the common law bring to the legal system?

The common law introduced a significant reform to the legal system by basing its principles on customs and court rulings. This system emerged in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century and marked a departure from reliance on local customs, which varied widely from one area to another. Instead, common law established a unified legal framework that applied consistently across the kingdom.

This body of law was developed over time through the decisions made by judges in court cases, creating precedents that would guide future rulings. As a result, common law provided a reliable and adaptable legal structure, ensuring that similar cases were treated in a similar manner, which helped to uphold justice and fairness in the judicial process. This reliance on established customs and judicial decisions was a pivotal aspect of legal reform that shaped modern legal systems.