What is case law derived from?

Case law is derived from judicial rulings, which are decisions made by courts in specific legal cases. This body of law emerges from the interpretations and applications of statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions by judges. When courts deliver opinions in cases, they establish precedents that can be referenced in future cases, shaping the legal landscape over time. These precedents become a critical component of case law, influencing how similar cases are judged and ensuring consistency and predictability in legal outcomes.

The other sources, such as constitutional amendments, legislative acts, and administrative regulations, are essential components of the legal framework, but they do not generate case law on their own. Instead, they serve as the foundation upon which courts build their interpretations and rulings.