What best describes the term "case law"?

The term "case law" refers to laws that are established based on the decisions made by courts in individual cases. These decisions set precedents that guide future cases and help to interpret statutory laws. Case law develops through the rulings and opinions of judges, and it plays a crucial role in the judicial system by establishing how laws are applied in specific situations.

For instance, when a court interprets a statute and its ruling influences how that statute will be applied going forward, it creates a legal precedent that becomes part of case law. This body of law is dynamic and evolves over time as new cases are decided, allowing the judicial system to adapt to changing societal norms and interpretations of justice.

In contrast, laws created by legislatures are known as statutory laws, and unwritten laws typically do not have a formal source or codification. Additionally, regulations from federal agencies are administrative laws that govern specific areas of concern but are separate from case law as they do not arise from court decisions. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique nature and importance of case law in the legal framework.