Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Law originating from court decisions or case law is known as:

1. common law

2. guideline

3. regulation

4. statute

The correct answer is: common law

Law that originates from court decisions or case law is known as common law. This type of law develops through judicial decisions rather than legislative statutes, meaning it is based on the precedents set by previous court rulings. Common law evolves over time as courts interpret laws and resolve disputes, and it can adapt to changing social norms and values. In contrast, guidelines are recommendations that may provide best practices but do not have the force of law. Regulations are rules made by government agencies based on statutes that provide detailed directions for how the law is to be enforced and followed. Statutes are laws passed by legislative bodies such as Parliament or state legislatures. Thus, common law is distinct as it primarily derives from judicial interpretations and the outcomes of individual cases, shaping the legal landscape without direct legislative intervention.