Common law is customary English law based on judicial decisions since Middle Ages. System evolved into US and Commonwealth legal systems. UK has three major legal systems: England/Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Judgment is a court's decision regarding parties' rights and liabilities. British English uses "judgment" for formal court rulings. American English distinguishes between appellate opinion and judgment. "Reasons for judgment" is common in Canadian English
Common law is based on judicial decisions rather than statutes. Originated in English courts after Norman Conquest in 1066. Gradually replaced local folk and manorial courts. Now used in approximately one-third of world's population
Case law is based on judicial decisions from previous cases. Stare decisis principle binds judges to past decisions. Distinguished from statutory and regulatory law
Regulation means government intervention in private domain through legal rules. Term "regulation" has no clear definition despite extensive scholarship. John Stuart Mill first used term in mid-19th century to describe government intervention
Schmidt started law at age four following her father's footsteps. Chemistry teacher inspired her passion for science. Works frequently with leading scientists in IP practice