distinguish

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.

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").

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

distinguish

to show that a precedent is not in point. When a lawyer has distinguished a precedent, he has shown the court that it does not actually cover the facts of the case before the court.