case law / jurisdiction
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case law
The total body of judgments and decisions by courts that serve as interpretations of laws and often have a guiding effect for future cases.
Laut ständiger Rechtsprechung des Bundesgerichtshofs ist diese Vertragsklausel unwirksam.
According to the settled case law of the Federal Court of Justice, this contractual clause is invalid.
The word is composed of 'Recht' (law/right) and 'sprechen' (to speak). 'Recht sprechen' is an old expression meaning 'to pass judgment.' So 'Rechtsprechung' is literally the activity or result of 'speaking justice.'
Ein Richter muss unparteiisch Recht sprechen.
A judge must administer justice impartially.
'Rechtsprechung' is a formal term from legal and political language. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
Der Professor hielt einen Vortrag über die europäische Rechtsprechung.
The professor gave a lecture on European case law.
When the total body of judgments is meant, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'ständig' (settled/consistent) or 'höchstrichterlich' (from the highest court). A typical formulation is also 'laut (der) Rechtsprechung' (according to case law).
Laut ständiger Rechtsprechung ist eine solche Klausel im Mietvertrag ungültig.
According to settled case law, such a clause in the rental contract is invalid.
When 'Rechtsprechung' is meant as one of the three branches of government, it often appears in the context of 'Gewaltenteilung' (separation of powers), together with 'Gesetzgebung' (legislature) and 'Verwaltung' (executive/administration).
Die Unabhängigkeit der Rechtsprechung ist ein zentrales Element der Demokratie.
The independence of the judiciary is a central element of democracy.
justice
'Gerechtigkeit' and 'Rechtsprechung' both have to do with law and courts. 'Gerechtigkeit' is mainly a goal or ideal: decisions should be fair and right. Sometimes it can also stand generally for the justice system. 'Rechtsprechung' is more specific: it means the work of the courts or the judgments that courts make. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in legal contexts. If you are talking about fairness, use 'Gerechtigkeit'. If you are talking about court judgments or the work of judges, 'Rechtsprechung' is more natural.
Die Rechtsprechung in solchen Fällen hat sich in den letzten Jahren geändert.
Case law in such cases has changed in recent years.
Viele Menschen hoffen nach dem Urteil auf mehr Gerechtigkeit.
After the verdict, many people hope for more justice.