test case

American  

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.

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test case British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of test case

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

As one of the few countries outside the U.S. or China able to attempt a wide degree of AI autonomy, South Korea has emerged as a test case for sovereign AI.

From The Wall Street Journal

But until there is a test case, it's not exactly clear what the rules do and do not cover.

From BBC

Now, antimony is emerging as an important test case of whether the U.S. can restore supply chains devastated by decades of Chinese dominance.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are now left with 48 representatives on the council, which is seen by the party as a test case of its ability to govern.

From BBC

“I see this Nvidia approval as a test case,” says Simon Henderson, director of Gulf and energy policy at the Washington Institute.

From Barron's

Related Words

• precedent