Which statement describes the relationship between common law and legislation?

Common law is based on judicial decisions, which forms its foundational characteristic. When judges make rulings in court cases, they interpret laws and apply legal principles to specific situations. These rulings create precedents that inform future decisions in similar cases, establishing a body of law that evolves over time. This system relies on the principle of stare decisis, which means that courts should follow precedents established in previous decisions unless there is a strong reason to deviate.

In contrast, legislation refers to laws that are enacted by governmental bodies, such as parliaments. Unlike common law, which is developed through court judgments, legislation is written and passed through a formal process. Because of this fundamental difference, the other options incorrectly define the relationship between common law and legislation.