test case

noun

1. a typical case whose court decision may be interpreted as a precedent for application in future similar cases.
2. a legal action taken, sometimes deliberately by agreement of both parties, with a special view to determining the position of the law on some matter, as the constitutionality of a statute.

test case

noun

1. a legal action that serves as a precedent in deciding similar succeeding cases

Word History and Origins

Origin of test case¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The hearing included the test case of Marcus Johnson, 34, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, who bought his first car - a Suzuki Swift - in 2017.

From BBC

Motorists who bought a car on finance could share in billions of pounds in compensation following a landmark test case.

From BBC

Virginia teed up this dispute as a test case, and it prevailed.

From Slate

The Republican National Committee manufactured this dispute as a test case to end the widespread practice of accepting ballots that come in after Election Day, but are postmarked by Election Day.

From Slate

Then he zeroed in on the stadium’s parking lot, and another one nearby, as a test case to see how fast he could make the VA move.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• precedent