Law of the Case
/ˈlɔː əv ðə keɪs/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine that precludes re-litigation of issues previously decided in the same case by the same parties.
The judge applied the law of the case to prevent reconsidering the issue already ruled upon.
Related terms
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Commentary
The law of the case doctrine promotes judicial efficiency by binding courts to prior rulings in the same litigation, but it is not absolute and may be reconsidered under exceptional circumstances.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.