Not really the same thing, is it? English common law is within our legal tradition, whereas German or French or Japanese or Islamic law is not.
Indeed, our basic approach to interpreting law derives from Blackstone's rules, I believe.
"Not really the same thing, is it? English common law is within our legal tradition, whereas German or French or Japanese or Islamic law is not."
I watched a forum on Cspan with Scalia and Breyer, on this very topic. (using International Law for US cases)
I am merely saying that our saystem looks OUTSIDE the Constitution, for guidance in Interpreting vague situations. I cited English Common Law as an example of how our system relies on Precedents.
Look, I'm not a lawyer. I merely accept this isn't a totally clear-cut situation. Listening to Scalia and Breyer, it was clear it might come up from time to time.
I guess the other side of the coin is: If given a speeding ticket on the Interstate, tell the judge there are no speed limits, on parts of the German Autobahn!!
Then take it to the Supreme Court.