case

case case [keɪs] noun [countable]

1. TRANSPORT a large box or container in which things can be stored or moved:

• packing cases full of equipment

case of

• a case of 10,000 cigarettes and several cases of spirits

— see also basket case

2. LAW a question or problem that will be dealt with by a court of law:

• those claiming damages in personal injury cases

• The Council appealed to them to drop the case (= stop investigating it ) .

ˈleading ˌcase LAW

a legal case that establishes a precedent and decides the outcome of other similar cases:

• The leading case on exclusion of liability for negligence is Smith v. Bush.

ˈstated ˌcase

LAW a legal case that is used for reference when making a judgement in a court of law, and that influences the outcome of similar cases:

• the principal stated case on diminished responsibility

ˈtest case LAW

a legal case that establishes a particular principle and can be used as a standard against which other, similar cases can be judged:

• Everybody is looking at this as a test case. If Mrs Cooke is successful, you're going to see a lot more lawsuits against the tobacco companies.

— compare precedent

3. LAW all the reasons that one side in a legal argument can give against the other side:

• The prosecution case was that the victim was stabbed by Reid during a general disturbance.

• The plaintiff needed legal representation in order to present her case properly.

* * *

case UK US /keɪs/ noun [C]

► a container or box for storing, showing, or carrying something: »

The store had a display case full of antique jewellery.

»

The laptop is sold with a padded carrying case.

»

packing cases

► a box holding twelve bottles of wine or another type of alcoholic drink, or the twelve bottles and their contents: »

a case of beer/wine

»

There is a 5% discount if you buy a case.

► arguments and reasons why something is right or wrong, should or should not be done, etc.: a case for/against sth »

There's a good case for bringing in new regulations.

make/argue a case »

The study makes the case for increasing flexible working.

a good/strong case »

The union believes it has been vindicated and has a very strong case.

► LAW a matter to be decided by a judge in a court of law: »

a libel/fraud/discrimination case

win/lose a case »

She accused her employer of unlawful dismissal and won her case.

settle/drop a case »

The parties agreed to settle the case on the basis of the carrier's limitation fund.

→ See also BASKET CASE(Cf. ↑basket case), BUSINESS CASE(Cf. ↑business case), TEST CASE(Cf. ↑test case)