case law

American  

noun

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

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case law British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of case law

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Case law supports granting protection for people who belong to a group long persecuted in their homelands even if an individual cannot prove specific threats, said Chase, an adviser to the appeals board.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2023

Case law supports granting protection for people who belong to a group long persecuted in their homelands even if an individual cannot prove specific threats, said Chase, an adviser to the appeals board.

From Washington Times • Sep. 24, 2023

Case law allows for people to claim damages for wrongful arrest, jailing and prosecution as a group, or if class certification is denied, to file individual suits.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2021

Case law dictates the practical maximum Chauvin could face is 30 years – double what the high end of state sentencing guidelines suggest.

From Fox News • Jun. 24, 2021

"Case law is clear: If you don't complete the review and publish anyway, the government gets your money."

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2020