The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

SOURCES OF THE LAW Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

The origins from which particular positive laws derive their authority and coercive force. Such are constitutions, treaties, statutes, usages, and customs. In another sense, the authoritative or reliable works, records, documents, edicts, etc. to which we are to look for an understanding of what constitutes the law. Such, for example, with reference to the Boman law, are the compilations of Justinian and the treatise of Gains; and such, with reference to the common law, are especially the an- cient reports and the works of such writers as Bracton, Littleton, Coke, “Fleta,” and others.

TLD Example: One of the original sources of law in the United States was English common law.

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.