Which source of law does common law primarily derive from?

Common law primarily derives from judicial decisions made by courts over time. This body of law develops through the principles and precedents established in these decisions, rather than from statutes or legislative enactments. Courts interpret laws and apply them to individual cases, and these interpretations contribute to a growing body of common law, which can influence future cases.

As a result, the evolution of common law relies heavily on legal precedents—the outcomes of previous court rulings—and the doctrine of stare decisis, which encourages courts to follow established precedents to ensure consistency and stability in the law. This contrasts with written statutes, which are formal laws created by legislative bodies, and international agreements or executive orders, which represent different sources and processes of law. Hence, the foundation of common law is rooted in judicial decisions, making this answer correct.