Here's why:
* Common law is a legal system based on precedents created by judicial decisions. It relies heavily on the principle of *stare decisis*, meaning "to stand by things decided." This means judges are bound to follow previous rulings on similar cases.
* Customs and principles traditions are key elements of common law. The system developed over time, drawing from the customs and traditions of the people, and these traditions shaped the principles that judges applied in their decisions.
While other terms like "case law" or "judge-made law" can also describe judicial decisions, "common law" specifically emphasizes the reliance on precedent and the historical development of the system from customs and traditions.