How is case law typically developed?

Case law is developed primarily through judicial opinions and rulings issued by courts. When a judge makes a decision on a particular legal issue, that ruling can set a precedent for future cases. This process allows the law to evolve over time as different courts interpret statutes, legal principles, and constitutional provisions in varying contexts. Judicial opinions not only resolve the specific disputes before the court but also contribute to the body of law that guides future cases, creating a framework based on interpretation and legal reasoning.

The development of case law is distinct from other sources of law, such as statutes passed by the legislature, which represent laws enacted by lawmakers, or regulations issued by administrative agencies, which focus on the application of statutory provisions in specific contexts. Similarly, administrative decisions, while important, primarily govern the operations of agencies rather than contributing broadly to case law. Thus, judicial opinions are fundamental to the creation and evolution of case law in the legal system.