In general, civil law and common law are two different legal systems used in various countries around the world. The main difference lies in how they derive their laws and make legal decisions.
In a civil law system, laws are primarily based on written statutes and codes established by the legislature. Judges have the role of interpreting and applying these laws to specific cases. This system is often found in countries with a strong influence from Roman law, such as France and Germany.
On the other hand, in a common law system, laws are derived from judicial decisions made by courts over time. Judges have the power to create legal precedents through their rulings, which are then considered as binding in future cases. This system is often found in countries with a historical connection to English law, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
So, while civil law relies more on statutes and codes, common law relies more on judicial precedents. Both systems have their own advantages, but they serve as the foundation for legal systems in different parts of the world.