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Judge-made Law

Judge-made law, also called case law or common law, refers to legal principles and rules established by judges through their rulings on specific cases. When courts decide how laws apply to particular situations, these decisions create precedents that guide future cases. This body of law evolves over time, supplementing statutes enacted by legislatures. Judge-made law is essential because it helps interpret and clarify existing laws, fill gaps, and adapt legal principles to new circumstances, ensuring a consistent and fair application of justice across different cases.