European law is a system of civil and private law, formed as a result of cooperation between European countries. In general, it has its own history and origins in two systems - the Roman and British empires. I must say that it is considered an international tradition and presented as a universal system. In general, all legal systems in the modern world, as a rule, are based on three basic principles: civil, general, religious law. However, the legal system of each country, first of all, is determined by its unique history and, accordingly, includes individual variations.
Nowadays, European law is interpreted differently. Broadly speaking, the EP refers to the totality of legal relations in all areas (politics, economics, science, culture, and so on) in Europe. Accordingly, in this case it is part of international law, that is, the law of all European countries (including Russia).
Historically, European law has been associated with Christianity, statehood, education, ideas about free trade and human rights. The creations of medieval legal scholars were developed on the basis of the code of Roman civil law, known as Corpus iuris civilis (or "Codification of Justinian"). In England, the Middle Ages, judges had more power than their counterparts on the continent, and developed a system of precedents.
Initially, European law was one common system in most of Europe, and for a long time it determined the position of the authorities. However, with the strengthening of nationalism in the Scandinavian countries in the 17th century, and then during the French Revolution, common European law was divided into separate national systems. These changes led to the development of separate national codes, of which the Napoleonic Code, German and Swiss had a great influence. Civil law included many ideas related to Enlightenment.
Today, Europe is trying to speak a universal legal language.
European Union law
, which in its narrow sense means the EP, is based on the codified code of laws set out in the International Treaty. They have a direct and indirect effect on the laws of all EU member states. The EU legislature consists mainly of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. EU law is applied by the courts of the member states.
Sources of European law are basic, secondary and additional law. In the first case, the main source is the EU creation treaties. In the second - legal documents based on treaties, conventions and agreements. The Council of the EU may, in accordance with an international treaty, establish secondary law in order to achieve the purpose set out in it. In the third - the laws of the Court of the European Union, the MP, the general principles of EU law.
The legal order created by the EU has become an integral part of the politics and life of society as a whole. Each year, based on EU treaties, thousands of decisions are made that affect countries and the lives of their citizens. Individuals are not only citizens of their country, city or region, they are EU citizens.