The English legal system is a common law system. Common law is based on judicial precedent and decisions made by judges in previous cases. This is in contrast to civil law systems, which are based on codified statutes and principles. Equity, while an important part of the legal system, works alongside common law to provide remedies where common law is insufficient. Most European countries operate under civil law systems, not common law. 

Key Point: This question addresses the foundational understanding of the English legal system, specifically distinguishing between common law and other legal systems.