Ace the CLA-CP Challenge 2025 – Elevate Your Paralegal Skills with Confidence!

The correct response highlights that a common law system in England indeed existed well before the late 1800s. Common law, as a legal system, originated in medieval England and developed over centuries through the decisions of judges in individual cases. This body of law was built upon judicial precedents and customs, shaping the legal framework long before the 19th century.

The common law system allowed for consistency and predictability in legal matters as decisions in earlier cases guided future cases. This tradition has roots that can be traced back to the Norman Conquest in 1066 and evolved through various judicial reforms and landmark cases. By the time the late 1800s arrived, common law was well-established, governing numerous aspects of civil and criminal justice.

While other answers might suggest that common law was limited or nonexistent before that time, the assertion that it had been present since ancient times recognizes its foundational role in the English legal system's progression. Understanding the historical context helps clarify how common law formed the basis for many legal principles that continue to influence modern law.