Which legal system is characterized by codification and is the most widespread globally?

The legal system characterized by codification and noted for its widespread application globally is civil law. Civil law systems rely on comprehensive statutes and legal codes that provide clear guidelines for legal principles and obligations. This codification helps ensure consistency and predictability in legal outcomes, as laws are written and accessible to the public.

The prevalence of civil law systems can be traced to their roots in Roman law, which has influenced many countries, particularly in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa. As a result, civil law is the most commonly adopted legal system worldwide, with many nations utilizing a codified approach to govern legal matters.

In contrast, common law systems, which are based largely on judicial precedents and case law, do not depend on comprehensive written codes and vary in practice significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Religious law is primarily governed by religious texts and principles, applying mainly in certain communities, while social law is more conceptual and not widely recognized as a distinct legal system.