What term describes when an attorney refers to prior case law in arguments?

The term that describes when an attorney refers to prior case law in arguments is "citing precedents." This practice is fundamental in legal contexts, as it allows attorneys to leverage established legal rulings to strengthen their arguments. By referencing previous cases, lawyers demonstrate how similar circumstances were resolved, thus providing a persuasive basis for their current case. This not only illustrates consistency in judicial decisions but also helps to establish the credibility of the attorney's position by showing that it is supported by accepted legal principles. The use of precedents is a cornerstone of common law legal systems, where previous judgments play a crucial role in shaping the law.