Leading Case

Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

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.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

A case of importance determining a question of law.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

A case decided, usually 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 learning and reputation of the court, the amount of consideration given to the question, the freedom from collateral matters or questions; sometimes, also, the eminence of counsel who argued it 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. It is less in vogue now than formerly.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

Among the various cases that are argued and determined in the courts, some, from their important character, have demanded more than usual attention from the judges, and from this circumstance are frequently looked upon as having settled or determined the law upon all points involved in "such cases, and as guides for subsequent decisions, and from the importance they thus acquire are familiarly termed "leading cases." Brown.