In case law, a test case is a lawsuit whose purpose is to establish an important legal principle or right and to set a precedent.
[1] Test cases are brought to court with the intention of challenging, interpreting, or receiving clarification on a present law, regulation, or constitutional principle.
[2] Government agencies sometimes bring test cases to confirm or expand their powers.
[3] The outcome of test cases has a wide public significance as it shapes future rulings.
[4] Examples of influential test cases include: