Customary Law
/ˈkʌstəmɛri lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A body of unwritten laws and practices traditionally observed by a particular community or group.
The dispute was resolved according to customary law governing local land use.
- (n.) Legal norms derived from long-established practices and accepted as binding.
Customary law often operates alongside statutory law in many indigenous societies.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Customary law is distinct from statutory law and common law; it emphasizes practices accepted as legally binding through continuous and consistent usage rather than formal legislation.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.