Which legal system relies on an elaborate list of rules and is practiced in over 70 countries?

The legal system that relies on an elaborate list of rules and is practiced in over 70 countries is civil law. Civil law systems are characterized by comprehensive codes and statutes that outline the principles and procedures for legal matters. This system places a significant emphasis on written laws and legal codifications rather than court rulings.

Civil law originated in continental Europe and is based on Roman law, making it distinct from common law, which relies more on case law and judicial precedents. Countries that practice civil law often have detailed legal codes that cover various areas such as contracts, torts, property, and family law. This allows for a more systematic approach to legal issues and provides clarity and consistency in the application of laws.

In contrast, common law systems, primarily found in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, develop and adapt through judicial decisions, and therefore do not rely on a comprehensive set of statutes in the same manner. International law governs relationships between nations and is different from national legal systems like civil law. Statutory law refers to laws formally enacted by a legislative body but is not a distinct legal system on its own; it is often a component of both civil and common law systems.