Case Law
Tim Cella Former Paralegal at Ascent Law (2018–2021) I wanted to explain what case law is for those who aren’t familiar with the term. Case law is the set of previously decided cases by courts which are used to determine the outcome of current cases with similar issues. It is a fundamental part of the American legal system and is based on the principle of stare decisis, meaning that courts must stand by the decisions made in prior cases. The history of case law in the United States dates back to the colonial era and has evolved over time in response to social, economic, and political changes. The American Legal System The American legal system is based on a hierarchical system of courts, with the Supreme Court at the highest level. There are both federal and state courts and each court has jurisdiction over certain areas of law. At the federal level, the courts are divided into three tiers: the trial court, the appeals court, and the Supreme Cour...