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

"It will draw together existing guidance and recent case law, as well as best practice from other jurisdictions, to assist tribunals in reaching consistent and well-reasoned decisions," he said.

From BBC

Bovino wrote in another post that “these are lawful stops based on a hundred years of case law and Border Patrol expertise.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There are over 100 years of case law that tell us this is a baseless lawsuit,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Journalists for years have relied on Supreme Court case law that, if someone leaks something to them, they can publish it as long as they did not participate in the illegal collection of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Lady Chief Justice's office said in calculating a sentence for any offence a judge will consider all evidence as well as "the relevant statute and case law".

From BBC