What is the key focus of common law in legal disputes?

The key focus of common law in legal disputes is judicial precedent. Common law, which has its roots in English legal tradition, is primarily shaped by court decisions rather than written statutes. Judges play a crucial role in interpreting the law and their rulings establish legal precedents that are followed in future cases. This creates a body of law that evolves over time based on the outcomes of various court cases, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to changing societal values and conditions.

In common law systems, when a court faces a case with similar facts and legal issues as a previous case, it typically adheres to the established precedents set by higher courts, ensuring consistency and reliability in legal decisions. This principle of following precedent is known as "stare decisis," which literally means "to stand by things decided." As a result, the interpretation of laws can be influenced by past judicial decisions, underscoring the importance of case law in common law systems.