Common law refers to a body of law that has developed based on judicial decisions and precedents established by courts, as opposed to legislative statues or statutory laws. Originating from England and forming a significant part of the legal framework in many Commonwealth countries, common law evolves based on the practices, customs, and judicial precedents over time.
Dower under common law refers to the legal right of a wife or child to part of a deceased husband's or father's property. This right ensures that the surviving spouse or child can claim a portion of the deceased individual's estate, regardless of the arrangements in the will.
In early English law, the phrase 'land, tenements, and hereditaments' was used to encompass all sorts of real property, including the rights and interests inherent in real estate ownership.
