Englisch Listening & Comprehension
Civil Law and Common Law
Michael and Sarah discuss the two main legal traditions: civil law and common law. They explain that civil law is based on written codes and is common in countries like France and Germany. Common law relies on previous court decisions and is used in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. They also mention that some countries use a mix of both systems.
Englisch Listening & Comprehension · B1 · Unterrichtsmaterial
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Michael: Welcome to the show, Sarah. Today, we’re looking at two major legal traditions: civil law and common law. Do you know what they are?
Sarah: I’ve heard about them, but I’m not sure how they are different. Can you explain?
Michael: Of course. Civil law is based on written laws and codes made by governments. Judges in civil law countries follow these laws closely when they decide cases.
Sarah: So, the law is very clear in civil law countries?
Michael: Yes, exactly. The laws are written down in detail. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan use civil law systems.
Sarah: And what about common law?
Michael: Common law is different. It’s based on previous court decisions, called precedents. Judges look at past cases to decide what to do in new cases.
Sarah: That sounds more flexible. Is that right?
Michael: Yes, common law can adapt over time because judges can change the rules based on new situations. The United States and the United Kingdom use common law.
Sarah: Interesting. So, civil law relies on written rules, and common law depends on previous court decisions?
Michael: Exactly. Both systems have advantages. Civil law is very clear and organized, while common law can be more flexible and adapt to new problems.
Sarah: I see. Do some countries use both systems?
Michael: Yes, some countries have mixed systems that combine elements of civil and common law.
Sarah: That makes sense. It’s good to understand these differences, especially if you want to study law or travel.
Michael: Absolutely. Knowing about these legal traditions helps us understand how justice works in different parts of the world.
Sarah: I’ve heard about them, but I’m not sure how they are different. Can you explain?
Michael: Of course. Civil law is based on written laws and codes made by governments. Judges in civil law countries follow these laws closely when they decide cases.
Sarah: So, the law is very clear in civil law countries?
Michael: Yes, exactly. The laws are written down in detail. Countries like France, Germany, and Japan use civil law systems.
Sarah: And what about common law?
Michael: Common law is different. It’s based on previous court decisions, called precedents. Judges look at past cases to decide what to do in new cases.
Sarah: That sounds more flexible. Is that right?
Michael: Yes, common law can adapt over time because judges can change the rules based on new situations. The United States and the United Kingdom use common law.
Sarah: Interesting. So, civil law relies on written rules, and common law depends on previous court decisions?
Michael: Exactly. Both systems have advantages. Civil law is very clear and organized, while common law can be more flexible and adapt to new problems.
Sarah: I see. Do some countries use both systems?
Michael: Yes, some countries have mixed systems that combine elements of civil and common law.
Sarah: That makes sense. It’s good to understand these differences, especially if you want to study law or travel.
Michael: Absolutely. Knowing about these legal traditions helps us understand how justice works in different parts of the world.
Vokabelhilfe
civil law · Zivilrecht, Gesetzessystem, das auf geschriebenen Gesetzen basiertcommon law · Gewohnheitsrecht, Rechtssystem, das auf früheren Gerichtsentscheidungen basiertprecedent · Präzedenzfall, frühere Gerichtsentscheidung, die als Beispiel dientcode · Gesetzessammlung, Kodexjudge · Richter/incourt · Gerichtdecision · Entscheidunglaw · Gesetzsystem · Systemflexible · flexibel