New-case judgments depend on previous-case results {case law}.
Cases are similar to central cases, which define dispute essence {focal meaning} and are models of justice and morals.
Legal positivism states that controversial cases have no correct answer, because past cases and laws do not apply {indeterminancy}, requiring new law. Legal realists state that no case has correct answer, because existing law and cases do not cover exact case and/or are inconsistent.
Judges decide cases {precedent}| to establish case law for future similar situations.
English legal system depends on the rule "stand by decided cases" {stare decisis}|, or law as established by previous decisions.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225