What distinguishes case law from other types of law?

The defining characteristic of case law is that it is formed through court decisions and interpretations. Case law emerges when judges make rulings in legal disputes and, in doing so, interpret statutes, regulations, or constitutional provisions. These judicial decisions establish precedents that guide future cases. Unlike statutory law, which is established through written laws enacted by legislatures, case law evolves from the judiciary's interpretation of existing laws, effectively filling gaps and addressing nuances that statutory law may not explicitly cover.

This foundational aspect of case law is what sets it apart from other legal forms, such as statutes or regulations. Statutory revisions involve formal amendments to written laws, but case law dynamically reflects how the law is applied and understood in real-world situations based on judicial reasoning. While case law can influence various areas of law, including private disputes and criminal law, its primary distinction lies in its origin as a product of judicial interpretation rather than legislative enactment.