Civil Law vs. Common Law: Understanding Legal Systems

The video discusses a hypothetical incident where a roof tile falls on someone's head, leading to a legal case. It explores how the case would be handled differently in Germany, which uses a civil law system, and the US, which uses a common law system. In Germany, the judge applies general legal provisions, while in the US, the judge looks for precedents. The video highlights the differences in legal thinking and processes between civil and common law systems.

What initiates the legal case in the scenario described?

• A roof tile falls on someone's head.

• A car accident occurs.

• A theft happens in a store.

• A person slips on a wet floor.

In the civil law system, what is the judge primarily looking for to evaluate the case?

• A jury decision.

• A witness testimony.

• A legal provision that fits the case.

• A similar past case.

Which article of the German Civil Code is mentioned in the context of the scenario?

• Article 789

• Article 123

• Article 456

• Article 838

How does the common law system in the US approach the case differently from the civil law system?

• By referring to international law.

• By looking for a comparable past case.

• By consulting a jury.

• By asking for a public vote.

What is the doctrine of stare decisis in the common law system?

• A rule to ignore past cases.

• A principle to follow precedent cases.

• A method to create new laws.

• A guideline for jury selection.