case law

noun

1. law established by judicial decisions in particular cases, instead of by legislative action.

case law

noun

1. law established by following judicial decisions given in earlier cases Compare statute law See also precedent

Word History and Origins

Origin of case law¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

“After careful consideration of the risk factors outlined by California case law, the court appropriately granted Mr. Young’s release on his own recognizance,” Young’s attorney, L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike many true crime programs, “Dateline” only uses the participants in the case: law enforcement officials, witnesses and family members and friends of victims.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of this case law, the federal government does not attempt to police the truth of campaign ads.

From Slate

Mr Onana's trial will be "historic, since there is not yet any case law strictly speaking related to Rwanda" on questions of Holocaust denial, Camille Lesaffre, campaign manager for Survie, told AFP.

From BBC

"We will mainly base ourselves on case law related to the Holocaust."

From BBC