How does Georgia define "common law"?

In Georgia, "common law" is defined as law established through court decisions rather than written statutes. This refers to legal principles that have been developed through judicial rulings and precedents over time. Common law is created when judges interpret laws and make rulings on cases that may not be explicitly covered by statutory law. These judicial decisions then serve as precedents for future cases, forming an evolving body of law that reflects judicial interpretation and application.

In contrast, legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly refers to laws created through the formal legislative process, which is not the definition of common law. Regulations published by state agencies involve administrative rules and guidelines that agencies enforce, separate from judicial interpretations. International treaties could influence local laws, but they do not constitute common law as defined within the state legal framework. Thus, defining common law through court decisions aligns with the judicial nature of its development and application within Georgia's legal system.