What is the primary body of law formed by judicial decisions that affect the interpretation of laws?

The primary body of law formed by judicial decisions that influences the interpretation of laws is known as case law. This type of law arises from the rulings made by judges in previous court cases, which establish precedents that are followed in subsequent cases. Case law plays a crucial role in the legal system as it clarifies and interprets statutes and constitutional provisions, providing guidance on how laws should be applied in practice.

When judges encounter a legal issue that has not been directly addressed by statutes, they rely on case law to inform their decisions. This creates a body of legal principles that can evolve over time as new cases are adjudicated and existing precedents are interpreted or modified.

In contrast, common law refers more broadly to the system of law developed through court decisions rather than legislative statutes, while statutes are the written laws enacted by legislatures. Court orders are specific directives issued by a judge, but they do not encompass the broader systematic interpretation of laws that case law represents. Hence, case law is critical for understanding how the law operates in real-world situations and ensures that similar cases receive similar treatment under the law.