English case law

English case law refers to the body of law established through judicial decisions in individual court cases, rather than through statutes or legislation. When judges interpret laws, their rulings set precedents for future cases, guiding how similar legal issues should be resolved. This principle, known as stare decisis, means that lower courts are bound to follow higher court rulings. Over time, case law evolves, reflecting changes in society and legal interpretation, making it a crucial component of the English legal system alongside statutory law.