How is case law created?

Case law is created through the judicial interpretation and application of statutes and the U.S. Constitution by courts. When a court encounters a legal issue or dispute, it analyzes existing laws and precedents to reach a decision. These decisions then contribute to a body of law that can be referenced in future cases, establishing legal principles and guidelines. This process is fundamental to the common law system, where past judicial decisions serve as a framework for understanding and interpreting the law. Thus, the judiciary not only applies the law but also shapes it through case law, ensuring that legal interpretations evolve over time.