Modern conditions appear to pose challenges to the future of the common law. The range, volume and complexity of relevant and accessible material with which the common law has to deal have all grown rapidly. Statutory law has undergone corresponding growth, in a context where fundamental issues concerning the interaction between statutory and common law remain unresolved. Recalling the constitutional and democratic function of the courts may help meet these challenges. A court may only decide the case that is before it, and must do so according to law. This justifies regulating and if necessary confining the legal source materials to be accessed and relied upon in arguing and resolving a case. And recognition of the constitutional primacy of statute law is an essential starting point in ensuring cohesion of the body of statutory and common law.
