What Is a Case of First Impression? A case of first impression is a legal concept in which a court is presented with a legal issue or dispute that has never before been heard or decided upon in the court’s previous decisions. It is also referred to as a precedent-setting decision or a first-impression case. In such a case, the court must make a decision based on its interpretation of the applicable laws on the matter. Why Are Cases of First Impression Important? Where there is a case of first impression, precedent is not available to help direct a court in making a decision. This renders the decision potentially more important, as it is likely to influence the course of future cases. This makes it essential that the court carefully research the applicable laws and thoroughly consider the facts before making a decision. Understanding Case of First Impression Through Modern Examples In a recent case of first impression heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, Danson v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2015 SCC 70, the court was asked whether or not an at-fault driver has a legally-protected interest in the coverage of their damages under the Ontario health care system. The court found that the at-fault driver did have a legally-protected interest. In a case of first impression, the court set a precedent that future courts can use in similar cases. What Is the Impact of Case of First Impression? When a court makes a decision in a case of first impression, the court is essentially creating a legal rule that will apply to all similar cases coming before it in the future. This means that the ruling in a case of first impression can have far-reaching implications for both the legal system and society as a whole. As such, it is important to remember that decisions in cases of first impression can set the tone for debates and disputes for years to come.