common law
feminine
The English phrase "common law" is translated into French as common law.
The term refers to the legal system of England and its former colonies. "Droit anglo-américain" is a way to refer to the common law system.
Meaning: legal system of England and its former colonies (noun)
Did you know?
- In French, the term droit commun exists but means something entirely different: it refers to 'general law' or the law that applies to everyone, rather than the English legal system.
- French legal scholars often use the phrase droit anglo-saxon as a broader cultural and legal umbrella term instead of the technical common law.
- If you use the phrase droit coutumier to describe 'common law', a French speaker might think you are talking about ancient, unwritten tribal or local customs rather than the modern English system.
Examples in context
- la common lawLa common law.
- le système de la common lawThe common law system.
- des principes de la common lawPrinciples of the common law.
Example conversation
Two law students are discussing different legal systems.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu préfères le droit civil ?Do you prefer civil law?
- NathanNon, je préfère la common law.No, I prefer common law.
- ChloéC'est vrai que c'est très différent.It is true that it is very different.
- NathanOui, Nathan trouve ça fascinant.Yes, Nathan finds it fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “common law” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
