Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

The principle that underlies civil law systems concerning legislation is that laws are written and accessible to all citizens. This characteristic is fundamental to civil law systems, which are based on comprehensive legal codes and statutes. The codification of laws ensures that individuals can understand their rights and obligations, as the laws are explicitly laid out in written form. This transparency fosters a sense of rule of law and provides a predictable legal framework where citizens can find the relevant laws that apply to various situations.

In contrast to common law systems, where case law and judicial precedents play a significant role in shaping the law, civil law places the primary emphasis on codified legislation. This contrasts with the idea of judges creating new laws through rulings, which does not align with the civil law tradition that prioritizes written codes over judicial discretion.