Question

1 mark for review which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a case being decided based on precedent? a the supreme court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause. b the supreme court overturns a lower court decision in a case dealing with voter identification laws. c a state passes a law which contradicts federal law, causing the supreme court to rule in favor of the federal government. d the chief justice of the supreme court disagrees with the majority of the other justices and decides to declare a law passed by congress as unconstitutional.

Explanation:

Precedent in law means using a prior court decision on a similar legal issue as the basis for a new decision. Option A directly shows a court relying on its own earlier, relevant decision, which matches the definition of precedent. The other options involve overturning a lower court, federal preemption, and a dissenting justice, none of which illustrate decision-making based on precedent.

Answer:

A. The Supreme Court bases its decision in a case involving the commerce clause on one of its earlier decisions involving the commerce clause.