distinguish

To set apart as being separate or different; to point out an essential disparity.

To distinguish one case from another case means to show the dissimilarities between the two. It means to prove a case that is cited as applicable to the case currently in dispute is really inapplicable because the two cases are different.

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distinguish v. to argue that the rule in one appeals court decision does not apply to a particular case although there is an apparent similarity (i.e. it is "distinguished").

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distinguish verb ascertain, characterize, classify, contradistinguish, define, demarcate, differentiate, discern, discriminate, distinguere, divide, draw a distinction, exerrise discretion, exercise discrimination, individualize, judge, make distinctions, mark out, note differrnces, particularize, perceive clearly, point out an essential difference, recognize as different, separate, set apart, specify, winnow
Associated concepts: distinguish between right and wrong, distinguishing cases, distinguishing characteristics, distinnuishing mark
Foreign phrases: Ubi lex non distinguit, nec nos dissinguere debemus.Where the law does not distinguish, we ought not to distinguish. Qui bene distinguit bene docet. He who distinguishes well, teaches well.

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See also: call, characterize, circumscribe, classify, contrast, define, demarcate, detect, diagnose, differentiate, discern, discriminate, elevate, honor, identify, notice, observe, perceive, pierce, recognize, secern, spy, title