How to Read and Understand Case Law

What is the role of appellate courts in the U.S. common law system?

• To conduct trials

• To enforce laws

• To create new laws

• To review cases and issue opinions

Why is it important to understand the reasoning behind a court's decision?

• Because it is the only part of the case

• Because it is more important than the outcome

• Because it is irrelevant to future cases

• Because it is the same in every case

What is the significance of a dissenting opinion?

• It is the same as the majority opinion

• It has no value

• It is the final decision of the court

• It provides an alternative perspective

What is the purpose of identifying points of law in a case?

• To disregard the facts of the case

• To understand the current state of the law

• To ignore the court's reasoning

• To focus only on the outcome

What does 'reasoning by analogy' mean in legal terms?

• Applying the law to identical facts

• Ignoring past precedents

• Creating new laws for each case

• Using similar past cases to guide decisions

How do courts establish new legal standards?

• By following, distinguishing, or overruling prior case law

• By ignoring previous cases

• By consulting only the majority opinion

• By creating laws without precedent

Why is it important for trial courts to understand appellate court decisions?

• To conduct trials without legal standards

• To create their own laws

• To apply the law consistently in future cases

• To ignore the appellate court's guidance