Leading Case

A case decided by a court of last resort, which decides some particular point in question, and to which reference is constantly or frequently made, for the purpose of determining the law in similar questions. Many elements go to the constitution of a case as a leading case, among which are the priority of the case, the character of the court, the amount of consideration given to the question, the freedom from collateral matters or questions. The term is applied to cases as leading either in a particular state, or at common law. A very convenient means of digesting the law upon any subject is found to be the selection of a leading case upon the subject, and an arrangement of authorities illustrating the questions decided. See Bennett & H. Lead. Cr. Cas.; Smith, Lead. Cas.; Hare & W. Sel. Dec; White & T, Lead. Cas.; and a variety of others.