What type of law may govern the issues in a client's case?

Study for the Legal Research and Writing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The governing law in a client's case can be either enacted law or case law, making the choice of enacted law or case law the most comprehensive and accurate answer. Enacted law refers to legislation that has been formally enacted by a legislative body, such as statutes, codes, and regulations. This type of law provides clear rules and guidelines that must be followed.

On the other hand, case law consists of judicial opinions and precedents established by courts, which interpret and apply enacted laws to specific situations. Case law is essential for understanding how enacted law has been interpreted in past cases and how it should be applied to similar facts in the current case. The combination of both enacted and case law allows for a more thorough legal analysis, as they complement one another in providing a complete understanding of the legal framework applicable to a client's situation.

Secondary authority, which includes commentaries, treatises, and legal articles, serves a supportive role by analyzing and explaining primary sources of law but does not govern issues directly in a case. Therefore, while secondary authority can aid legal research and provide additional insights, it does not have the same binding effect as enacted law or case law, nor can it serve as the sole governing law in a case.

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