So do you think it's closer to common law or civil law?



(In case you are unaware:



In common law, the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The decision at the trial court level is decided by a jury of his peers and the judge acts as a sort of "referee", even though he has significant control over the proceedings. New laws can be written from court decisions, such as when schools became desegregated.



In civil law, the defendant is guilty until proven innocent. The decision at the trial court level is made by a judge, who also takes part in the examination of evidence. Case law cannot be written from court proceedings, but previous decisions can be accepted as suggestions.



At least this is what my business law professor says.)