Which of the following is NOT true about case law?

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Case law is an essential component of the legal system and consists of the body of law established by the outcomes of former court cases. One key characteristic of case law is that it evolves through court decisions, meaning that legal principles can change and develop over time based on the rulings of judges in various cases. This process allows the law to adapt to new circumstances and societal changes.

Another important aspect of case law is its ability to establish legal precedents. When courts render decisions, particularly appellate courts, those decisions can serve as a guiding principle for future cases, ensuring consistency and predictability in how laws are applied. Thus, lower courts are often required to follow the precedents set by higher courts.

Additionally, while case law interacts with statutory law, it is not created solely by legislatures. Rather, legislatures create statutes, and courts interpret, apply, and sometimes expand upon those statutes through their rulings. This interplay between case law and statutory law is crucial for the functioning of the legal system. Therefore, the assertion that case law is created entirely by legislatures is not true, as it fundamentally arises from judicial decisions interpreting and applying existing laws.

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