Which law is based on court decisions and precedes law establishment?

The correct answer is case law. This type of law is established through judicial decisions made by courts rather than through legislative statutes or regulations. Case law evolves from the interpretations of existing laws, legal precedents, and the rulings made in previous court cases. As judges apply and interpret statutes and regulations, they create legal rules that can influence future cases. This accumulated body of judgments contributes significantly to the legal landscape and often addresses situations that may not be specifically covered by statutory law.

Statutory law, in contrast, is created by legislative bodies and consists of written laws. Administrative law relates to rules and regulations created by government agencies, while tort law deals specifically with civil wrongs and damages. Hence, case law is unique in its reliance on prior court decisions, making it essential for the development of the legal system.