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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a growing need for AI tools that help small law firms, regulators, or NGOs deal with complexity at scale - e.g., analyzing legislative changes, checking compliance, or reviewing case law. Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 This means directly accessing case law databases, statutory compilations, and regulatory texts to confirm the existence and accuracy of each reference. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 If Trump-era regulators tilt toward AI-friendly fair use policies, case law may erode the legal basis for any future licensing obligations. Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 These checks on presidential powers have not only been heeded by the men in power, however unhappily, but have become part of case law. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for case law

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Case law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/case%20law. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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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