Civil law systems rely on which characteristics?

• A. Codified statutes and an inquisitorial trial process.
• B. Case-law precendents and jury trials.
• C. No formal statutes; decisions are ad hoc.
• D. Purely executive rulemaking.

Answer: (A)

Civil law systems rely on written, comprehensive codes that set out rules across areas like contracts, property, and criminal procedure, with judges applying these codes and taking an active role in investigating cases. The inquisitorial process means judges gather evidence, question witnesses, and direct the investigation, rather than leaving most fact-finding to the parties. This combination—codified statutes and a judge-led, inquisitorial approach—defines how civil law operates. In contrast, options that emphasize case-law precendents and jury trials reflect common law traditions, where past decisions guide current rulings and juries often determine facts. Claims of no formal statutes, ad hoc decisions, or purely executive rulemaking don’t fit civil law, which centers on codified statutes enacted by the legislature. Therefore, the characteristic pairing of codified statutes with an inquisitorial trial process best describes civil law systems.