Which term is used to refer to law developed by judges through court decisions?

The term that refers to law developed by judges through court decisions is common law. Common law originates from judicial precedents rather than statutes or regulations enacted by legislative bodies. It is based on the principle of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided," encouraging consistency and predictability in the law by following previous court rulings.

Common law evolves over time as judges interpret statutes and the Constitution, fill in gaps where written law may be silent, and adapt legal principles to changing societal norms. This form of law plays a crucial role in legal systems such as that of the United States and other countries that derive their legal traditions from English law.

In contrast, statutory law consists of laws passed by legislative bodies, constitutional law focuses on the interpretation and application of the Constitution, and administrative law governs the actions of governmental agencies. Each of these plays a distinct role in the legal framework, but it is common law that specifically embodies the law created through judicial interpretation and decisions.