What is the term for the body of prior judicial decisions that guide judges?

What is the term for the body of prior judicial decisions that guide judges?

• A. Statutory Law
• B. Administrative Law
• C. Common Law
• D. Case Law

Answer: (D)

Case law refers to the body of opinions and decisions handed down by courts that create legal precedents for future cases. This collection guides judges by providing established interpretations of how laws have been applied in similar situations, supporting consistency and predictability through stare decisis. While statutory law consists of statutes enacted by legislators and administrative law covers agency rules, case law specifically is the set of decided cases that shape how laws are applied. A prior court decision effectively becomes a guide for future rulings, helping ensure similar outcomes when facts align.

Case law refers to the body of opinions and decisions handed down by courts that create legal precedents for future cases. This collection guides judges by providing established interpretations of how laws have been applied in similar situations, supporting consistency and predictability through stare decisis. While statutory law consists of statutes enacted by legislators and administrative law covers agency rules, case law specifically is the set of decided cases that shape how laws are applied. A prior court decision effectively becomes a guide for future rulings, helping ensure similar outcomes when facts align.