Case theory (in law)

In law, a case theory is like a detailed and clear story that explains what happened in a legal problem. It includes both ideas about the law, such as what rules were broken or what defenses might work, and ideas about the facts, such as how the events might have really taken place.

An attorney, or a lawyer, creates a case theory to help the judge or jury understand the situation in a way that supports their client. The theory is usually told as a story that seems very likely to be true. This helps people making decisions in court see the situation from a specific point of view.

Case theory is different from jurisprudence, which is about general ideas and principles of law that apply to many situations, not just one particular case. A good case theory ties together both the legal ideas and the facts into one clear and logical picture.

Examples of usage

Judge Taylor asked lawyers to share their ideas about what happened in the case because he was not familiar with it. He also agreed to keep the defense's summary of their ideas private.

Capital Case Investigators work with attorneys to help create ideas about what happened and plan how to present the case in court.