Welcome to the Case Law Finding Online Exercise.

Why research cases?

Under the doctrine of stare decisis ("to stand by things decided") or precedent, previously decided cases serve as a model for resolution of future disputes involving similar legal principles or fact patterns.

Following the doctrine of stare decisis, legal researchers cite to cases:

• In support of their arguments.
• To convince the court that the issues or facts presented in their cases should be decided in the same way as the earlier cases.
• To argue that the facts or issues presented in their cases are sufficiently different to warrant different treatment.