Question

What are long-arm statutes, and how do they allow states to exercise jurisdiction over individuals or business entities?

Answer 1

Common law is where the judgments are based on previous judicial decisions and precedents rather than statutes. Though the decisions may rely on some statutes and constitution, it is largely based on precedents and interpretation on statutes,   done by judges on previous decisions. In common law(adversarial system), lawyers present, question and argue before judges.In civil law decisions are strictly based on statutes and judge plays the primary role in questioning.

English common law originated in the British kingdom consistss of statutes, rules, and precedents. It emerged as a common law for the entire British kingdom in the early part of the second millennium. It developed based primarily on judicial decisions. As the parliament system developed in the United Kingdom, the parliament started adopting laws that supplemented the existing common law

The English common law is the basis on which American law is built upon, except for common law of crimes (and in-state Louisiana where civil law is predominant). Principles codified by Mr. Blackstone from Britain became the basis for American law.

Over time, most definitions of crimes have now been overwhelmed by legal definition offered by individual states. Now state courts have to look into state judicial interpretation of legal matters. State legislatures have more power and Congress primarily takes care interstate activities, war, taxation, etc.The English common law is the precedent for American law