case law

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The law as established by decisions of courts, especially appellate courts in published opinions.

(Law) law established by following judicial decisions given in earlier cases. Compare statute law See also precedent¹

case′ law`

law based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.

[1860–65]

Law based on previous judicial decisions and precedent rather than statutes.

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Noun	1.	case law - a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws; "common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States" common law, precedent law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"
	2.	case law - (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions common law, precedent service - (law) the acts performed by an English feudal tenant for the benefit of his lord which formed the consideration for the property granted to him civil law - the body of laws established by a state or nation for its own regulation