Case in law

A case is a written decisions issued by a court, often referred to as a judicial opinion or decision. Cases are compiled in print sets called case reports or reporters. Federal courts and state courts use a similar hierarchical organization (lowest to highest): trial court, appellate court, highest court. Courts at each level publish their decisions in chronological order in an official case reporter. Commercial entities, such as West, also publish cases. Federal reports, West's Regional Reporters, and NY reports are in the Reading Room. Other state case reporters are shelved with the state materials on the fourth floor.