1. Chapter 6— Case Law Analysis
Determining Whether a Case Is On Point

2. Determining Whether a Case Is On Point
Step 1: Are key facts sufficiently similar ?
Identical or nearly identical key facts
Different key facts

3. Determining Whether a Case Is On Point
Step 2: Is the law sufficiently similar?
Same rule or principle
Different rule or principle

4. Chapter 6— Case Law Analysis
Key Terms

5. Precedent
An earlier court decision on an issue that governs or guides a subsequent court in its determination of an identical or similar issue based on identical or similar key facts

6. Mandatory precedent
Precedent from a higher court in a jurisdiction that must be followed by the lower courts in that jurisdiction

7. Persuasive precedent
Precedent that a court may look to for guidance when reaching a decision but is not bound to follow

8. Stare decisis
A principle that requires a court to follow a previous decision of that court or a higher court in a jurisdiction when the current decision involves issues and facts similar to those in the previous decision