case law

noun

: law established by judicial decision in cases

Examples of case law in a Sentence

Case law says that a person has a right to privacy.
Recent Examples on the Web There is little case law in Virginia governing the treatment of embryos. Matthew Barakat, Fortune, 9 May 2024 Chief tells how border agents decide Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington said the briefing also reviewed the lack of Arizona case law precedent on the issue. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for case law 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'case law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of case law was in 1731

Dictionary Entries Near case law

Cite this Entry

“Case law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/case%20law. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Legal Definition

case law

noun
: law established by judicial decisions in cases as distinguished from law created by legislation

called also decisional law

see also common law

More from Merriam-Webster on case law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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