What is the distinction between statutory and case law?

Statutory law and case law are two distinct areas of jurisprudence in California. Statutory law refers to the written laws that are created and passed by the California State Legislature. This is the primary source of law in the state and consists of statutes, regulations, and ordinances. Statutory law is also referred to as “black letter law,” as it is clearly defined and is the law of the land. Case law, on the other hand, is created through court decisions. When a court encounters a novel or difficult legal issue, it will often consider past decisions to determine how to proceed. If a decision is made, it then becomes a precedent, or a case of law. This law is often not clearly written and is subject to varying interpretations from court to court. It requires legal analysis and interpretation to fully understand. In California, both statutory and case law are extremely important, as both constitute the state’s legal basis. Statutory law provides clear guidelines for the citizens and courts to follow, and case law helps the courts in new and complex situations. It is important for individuals to be aware of both types of law, as any violation of either can incur severe penalties.

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What is the distinction between statutory and case law?

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