CASE LAW Meaning and
Definition
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Case law refers to the body of legal principles and rules derived from court decisions and judgments made by judges in various legal proceedings. It encompasses the recorded decisions and interpretations of past cases, which have established precedents that subsequent courts often rely upon when deciding similar issues. Case law serves as a significant source of law in common law legal systems, such as those in England and the United States.
Case law is based on the principle of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided." This doctrine compels judges to adhere to previously decided cases and treat them as binding precedents in similar or related cases. By doing so, it ensures consistency, predictability, and fairness in the application of the law.
The process of developing case law begins when a dispute arises and the parties involved present their arguments before a court. The judge, by analyzing the relevant statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions, along with various legal precedents, renders a decision. This decision becomes a part of the body of case law, serving as a reference point for future legal cases with similar factual and legal issues.
Lawyers and legal professionals often consult case law as a primary source of legal authority when interpreting statutes or crafting legal arguments. It provides insight into the nuanced interpretations and applications of the law by courts. Additionally, case law plays a vital role in the evolution and development of legal doctrines and principles over time.
Common Misspellings for CASE LAW
- xase law
- vase law
- fase law
- dase law
- czse law
- csse law
- cwse law
- cqse law
- caae law
- caze law
- caxe law
- cade law
- caee law
- cawe law
- casw law
- cass law
- casd law
- casr law
- cas4 law
Etymology of CASE LAW
The word "case law" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English word "cas", which means a case or proceeding in law. This Middle English term was derived from the Old French word "cas", which retained the same meaning. The Old French word, in turn, originated from the Latin word "casus", meaning an event, situation, or occurrence. Law, on the other hand, originated from the Old English word "lagu", which also derived from Old Norse "lag", meaning law or custom. The combination of "cas" and "law" eventually led to the phrase "case law", which refers to law established through judicial decisions in actual cases, rather than through legislative statutes.
Similar spelling words for CASE LAW
- case,
- easel,
- claw,
- casella,
- casually,
- camel,
- casual,
- coleslaw,
- cassella,
- cassell,
- castle,
- cageyly,
- caecal,
- cassel,
- causal.
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