Other Than Life (OTL) Practice Exam

What term is sometimes referred to as Case law?

1. Common Law

2. Statutory Law

3. Case Precedent

4. Public Law

The correct answer is: Common Law

The term that is sometimes referred to as Case law is commonly known as Common Law. This is because Common Law is developed through judicial decisions and the outcomes of individual cases rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action. In essence, it evolves over time as courts interpret and apply laws to specific situations, creating precedents that can guide future cases. This characteristic makes it distinct from Statutory Law, which is formally enacted by government bodies. The nature of Common Law emphasizes the role of judicial decisions as a primary source of law, reflecting the doctrines and principles that have emerged through historical legal practices. Furthermore, these judicial rulings become a part of the legal framework, influencing how laws are interpreted in subsequent cases, which is why it is synonymous with the term Case law. By contrast, Statutory Law consists of laws that are explicitly written and passed by legislative bodies, making them separate from the case-dependent evolution seen in Common Law. Case Precedent is closely related because it refers to a legal case that establishes a principle or rule that can be followed in future cases, but it is a subset of the broader category of Common Law. Public Law encompasses laws governing the relationships between individuals and the government, but is not synonymous with Case law.