What is the nature and function of case law in our legal system? How are legal case histories used to establish precedent and to assist in the application of legal principles to specific cases? These and other questions are addressed in this examination of the potential of using a basic case structure in educational evaluation similar to that used in American law. Evaluation case histories might be valuable as examples of how to do evaluations, as precedents, or as a means to accumulate knowledge and experience about evaluation. The differences between an evaluation report and an evaluation case history are outlined: an evaluation case history would be shorter, more accessible, written for the practicing evaluator, and would provide explanation and justification for the evaluator's action. An evaluation case history should include the procedural history, the facts of the case, the issues, the conceptual principles, and the decision. (Author/BW)