Which legal system is based on ancient customs and rules acknowledged by the courts?

The legal system that is based on ancient customs and rules acknowledged by the courts is Common Law. Common Law originated from customary practices and judicial decisions made in courts over centuries, particularly in England. It is characterized by principles and precedents developed through previous court rulings, which help guide judges in making decisions in later cases. This reliance on historical customs and established judicial decisions defines Common Law as a system that evolves with society while retaining the essence of past rulings.

While Stare Decisis is a cornerstone principle of Common Law that mandates courts to follow precedents set by previous decisions, it does not encompass the broader historical context of ancient customs. Equity refers to a system of justice that supplements Common Law by addressing instances where strict application of the law might result in unfairness, but it is not directly based on ancient customs. The Judicature Acts were reforms that unified the administration of law and equity in the courts, but they do not represent a legal system rooted in ancient customs. Therefore, the identification of Common Law as the correct answer highlights its foundational link to ancient practices recognized by courts.