<P> In this context, civil law is the system of codified law that is prevalent in Europe . Civil law is founded on the ideas of Roman Law . By contrast, English law is the archetypal common law jurisdiction, relying on judge - made law . </P> <P> In this context, common law means the judge - made law of the King's Bench; whereas equity is the judge - made law of the (now - defunct) Court of Chancery . Equity is concerned mainly with trusts and equitable remedies . Equity generally operates in accordance with the principles known as the "maxims of equity". </P> <P> The reforming Judicature Acts of the 1880s amalgamated the courts into one Supreme Court of Judicature which was directed to administer both law and equity . The neo-gothic Royal Courts of Justice in The Strand, London, were built shortly afterwards to celebrate these reforms . </P> <P> Public Law is the law governing relationships between individuals and the state . Private law encompasses relationships between private individuals and other private entities (but may also cover "private" relationships between the government and private entities). </P>

Common law as a source of english law