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

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

From BBC

Davis said the “severe or pervasive” standard conforms federal regulation to developing case law.

From Salon

But Justice Robert Bromwich said in his decision on Friday that case law has consistently found sex is “changeable and not necessarily binary”, ultimately dismissing Giggle’s argument.

From BBC

“Recent case law confirms that the term ‘recyclable’ means ‘capable of being recycled,’ and that it is an attribute, not a guarantee,” said a comment from the Plastics Industry Association.

From Salon