Court Reporter Practice Exam

Which term refers to laws established through judicial decisions rather than statutes?

1. Case law

2. Regulatory law

3. Constitutional law

4. Administrative law

The correct answer is: Case law

The term that refers to laws established through judicial decisions rather than statutes is known as case law. Case law is created when judges make rulings in specific cases and these decisions set precedents that can influence future cases. This body of law plays a crucial role in the legal system as it helps interpret statutes and provides guidance on how similar situations should be treated. By relying on previous judicial rulings, courts can ensure consistency and stability in the law, as each case adds to the body of jurisprudence. In contrast, regulatory law pertains to rules created by government agencies to enforce statutory laws, while constitutional law focuses on the interpretation and application of the constitution. Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government, and is therefore also distinct from case law, which directly arises from judicial interpretation of legal matters rather than regulatory or statutory frameworks.