Final answer:
True, common law consists of case law developed by court decisions and is built upon precedents from prior rulings, often upheld by the courts of appeals.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, common law is made up of the prior case law of a particular jurisdiction. Common law, also known as case law or precedent, is law developed by the decisions of courts, particularly through the principles established by higher courts such as appellate courts or supreme courts in interpreting and applying laws in individual cases.
It's a system that relies on the concept that decisions should be consistent and creates a cohesive legal framework over time. Courts often follow a body of precedent, which means they are influenced by earlier rulings in similar cases. This leads to a more predictable and orderly legal system where similar cases are decided in similar ways.
The courts of appeals, also known as circuit courts, are an integral part of the common law system. They review decisions made by lower courts, and their rulings can establish a precedent for future cases.
When a justice in an appellate court or the Supreme Court writes a concurring opinion, this opinion agrees with the majority but for different reasons, which can influence the interpretation of law in future cases.