Is criminal law categorized under common law?

Criminal law is indeed categorized under common law, particularly in jurisdictions that follow the English common law system. Common law consists of laws that are developed by judges through decisions in individual cases, as opposed to statutes enacted by legislatures. In many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, aspects of criminal law are rooted in common law principles, where judicial rulings and precedents shape the interpretation and application of the law.

This categorization allows for flexibility and gradual evolution of legal standards as societal norms change. For example, common law offenses have been established by judicial decisions for acts that may not be explicitly defined in statutory law. Thus, understanding criminal law's relationship with common law is essential for grasping the broader legal framework within which it operates.

While some jurisdictions might have specific statutory laws that dictate criminal offenses, the foundational principles of many criminal laws still trace back to common law origins, reinforcing that criminal law fits within that category in relevant legal contexts.