case
[Latin
casus accident, event, set of circumstances, literally, act of falling]
1 a : a civil or criminal suit or action [the judicial power shall extend to all
s, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution "
U.S. Constitution art. III"] see also
controversy case at bar : a case being considered by the court [the facts of the
case at bar]
case of first im·pres·sion : a case that presents an issue or question never before decided or considered by the court
com·pan·ion case : a case that is heard with another case because it involves similar or related questions of law
test case 1 : a representative case whose outcome will serve as precedent for future cases and esp. for pending cases involving similar or related issues or circumstances and often some of the same parties
NOTE: A test case is selected from a number of cases in order to avoid a flood of litigation. All of the parties to the cases must agree to accept the outcome of the test case as binding. 2 : a proceeding usually in the form of a suit for injunction brought to obtain a decision as to the constitutionality of a statute
b : the reported facts, procedural history, and esp. decision in an action
land·mark case : a case that marks a significant turning point on a particular issue
lead·ing case : a case so well reasoned and important in the rules of law determined and in the principles declared that it becomes well-known and is frequently cited by courts and lawyers as settling the points of law ruled upon and as useful in resolving new questions of law
c : the evidence and arguments presented by a party in court see also
case stated case in chief : the main part of a party's case including arguments for which the party bears the burden of proof but not including rebuttal
prima facie case : a case established by evidence that is sufficient to raise a presumption of fact or establish the fact in question unless rebutted
2 : trespass on the case at
trespass vt
cased cas·ing : to inspect or study with intent to rob [
casing a store]