Part 5/11:
The dialogue transitioned into an examination of common law, its historical roots, and its relation to the modern legal system. Common law, often misunderstood, is rooted in the concept of natural law, where individuals abide by ethical principles that prohibit harm to others. In contrast, modern legal systems are dominated by statutes and regulations that do not necessarily stem from a moral foundation.
Stone underscores the fact that courts today operate under a blend of common law, statutory law, and maritime law—a system fraught with complexities and pitfalls. He advises that entering these courts without a thorough understanding can lead to adverse outcomes, primarily because many individuals are unaware of how the legal system truly functions.