distinguish
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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.
West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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").
Copyright © 1981-2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.
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.Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006