Common law, like all law, boils down to if the state wants to fuck you they will find a way. I just enjoy pointing out the hypocrisies and double speak along the way.
Perhaps not, but I've heard the best way to get better at something is to practice.
I think there are a lot of examples of people the state wants to get but can't. And in many cases, common law is what saves said targets. Newer legislation that overrides common law like the Patriot Act or DMCA is what ends up being used more frequently to "get" people.