Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Decisional law, also known as case law, is the body of law that comes from the collection of reported cases within a specific jurisdiction. It is the rules and principles that are established through the resolution of practical problems in past cases, which then become normative for future disputes. Essentially, it is the legal system that is created through the generalizations and formulations of past decisions.
Decisional law, also known as case law or caselaw, refers to the body of law that is created through the decisions made by judges in court cases. This body of law is considered to be a part of the legal system within a particular jurisdiction.
For example, if a judge in a court case makes a decision that sets a precedent for future cases, that decision becomes a part of the decisional law for that jurisdiction. Other judges may refer to that decision when making their own rulings in similar cases.
Decisional law is important because it helps to establish and clarify legal principles and rules. It also provides guidance for judges and lawyers when they are dealing with new cases that have not been previously decided.