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case legal definition

noun

An action, cause of action, controversy, proceeding, or suit at law or in equity filed with a court.
Same as trespass on the case. See trespass.
The aggregate of the evidence presented at trial by a party in support of their argument or position.

agreed case

. See case stated.

case at bar

A case that is proceeding towards resolution or trial or is under the particular or immediate attention of the court. Also called instant case and present case. See also bar and sub judice.

case in chief

The primary case presented by a party that satisfies that partyÂ’s initial burden of proof, as distinguished from the Â“rebuttal caseÂ”.

case on point

A previously decided case with facts or legal issues that were similar or comparable to those in a case at bar. See also precedent.

case of first impression

A case that presents a legal issue that has never been considered or decided by any court in that jurisdiction. See also stare decisis.

test case

A case initiated or selected from a group of cases that involve the same or substantially similar facts and questions of law for the purpose of testing the constitutionality of a law or establishing an important legal principle.

prima facie case

The evidence presented at trial by a party that is sufficient to satisfy the partyÂ’s burden of proof and to allow the fact-finder to decide the case in that partyÂ’s favor. See also verdict, dismissal, and nonsuit.