What is the term for laws decided on a case-by-case basis?

The term for laws decided on a case-by-case basis is case law. This type of law is created through the decisions made by courts when they rule on individual legal disputes. Each case contributes to the legal precedent, which other courts may refer to when making future rulings on similar issues. Case law plays a crucial role in common law systems, where it helps interpret and shape statutory laws and provides guidance for judges in their decision-making processes.

Statutes are laws enacted by legislative bodies and provide specific rules that are applied more broadly. Treaties refer to formal agreements made between countries and pertain to international law, while conventions are informal practices that can influence legal decisions but are not legally binding. These other concepts do not reflect the case-by-case decision-making process that characterizes case law.