Common Law Court International & Enforcement Agency (de jure) - 1776

Common Law ultimately originates from the Holy Bible. In history, Common Law dates back to 12th century Medieval England. The Constitution of the United States (1776) was also derived from Common Law. You can think of Common Law as "Common Sense Law" that is based on judicial customs and precedents. In contrast, the contemporary definition of law that most people are familiar with today is based on a codified system of man-made statutes and ordinances.

In simple terms, a Court of Record follows Common Law as opposed to statutes and codes. It also keeps a record of all proceedings. A Court of Record has the power to fine or imprison for Contempt (disobedience of – or disrespect toward – a court of law, a court order, or officers of the court). In a Court of Record, the Tribunal (a person or institution with the authority to judge) is independent of the Magistrate (the judge).

The Common Law Court exercises power and authority independently of the Magistrates laid out in Penal Code 808: (a) The judges of the Supreme Court. (b) The judges of the Courts of Appeal. (c) The judges of the Superior Courts.

De facto ("in fact") and de jure ("from law") are Latin terms in Common Law that describe opposing states of affairs. A de facto rule or government is accepted by the people in that it exists in practice but is ultimately illegal and illegitimate. A de jure rule or government is rightful, constitutional, and in accordance with the law.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find historical resources that accurately detail the rich traditions of Common Law. However, we recommend studying Black's Law Dictionary which provides an excellent overview of all legal topics. The first edition was written by Henry Campbell Black and published in 1891, and this dictionary (now on its eleventh edition) remains the most definitive knowledge source of law in the world.