Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of common law?

The correct answer highlights that common law is primarily developed through judicial precedents rather than legislative changes. Common law is rooted in the decisions made by judges in individual cases, which form a body of law that is applied to subsequent cases. This judicial precedent is critical because it helps ensure consistency and predictability in the law, allowing for established interpretations and applications of legal principles.

While justice, customs, and traditions play significant roles in shaping common law, the development through legislation typically pertains to statutory law, which originates from statutes enacted by legislative bodies. This distinction is essential in understanding the differentiation between common law and statutory law, where the latter is explicitly written and passed by legislatures, rather than evolving through judicial rulings over time.