Which statement about binding case law is true?

Which statement about binding case law is true?

• A. It is mandatory for a court to follow, including U.S. Supreme Court decisions binding on all courts
• B. It is merely persuasive
• C. It applies only to the issuing court
• D. It is never published

Answer: (A)

Binding case law means decisions that judges must follow because they establish rules and precedent for future cases. When a higher court, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, issues a ruling, that decision is binding on all courts in the country, so lower courts apply it whenever the facts are similar. This mandatory nature contrasts with persuasive authority, where a court may consider a decision but is not required to follow it. Binding rulings aren’t limited to the issuing court; they guide other courts as precedent and are published so they can be cited and relied upon, rather than being kept private. Therefore, the statement that binding case law is mandatory for a court to follow, including U.S. Supreme Court decisions binding on all courts, is true.

Binding case law means decisions that judges must follow because they establish rules and precedent for future cases. When a higher court, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, issues a ruling, that decision is binding on all courts in the country, so lower courts apply it whenever the facts are similar. This mandatory nature contrasts with persuasive authority, where a court may consider a decision but is not required to follow it. Binding rulings aren’t limited to the issuing court; they guide other courts as precedent and are published so they can be cited and relied upon, rather than being kept private. Therefore, the statement that binding case law is mandatory for a court to follow, including U.S. Supreme Court decisions binding on all courts, is true.