Which of these actions best illustrates a judge using precedent? reviewing the facts of a case before ruling , formulating an opinion on the guilt of the defendant , studying past cases for similarities to the current case , writing an opinion brief

Precedent is a judge studying past cases for similarities to the current case. Precedent is a well used form of judicating a case. It has been used through out history in many cultures.

The correct answer is:  studying past cases for similarities to the current case. The judges are obliged to respect the precedents, when in solving a case, they find legal similarities. The appropriate scheme for a judge's opinion on a case is: describe the facts of the case, describe the judicial opinion, analyze the law and apply the precedent.

b) a state law could be declared illegal if it contradicted the constitution.

explanation:

the conflict of this case originated when james w. mcculloch, a cashier of the baltimore branch of the second bank of the united states that the congress had chartered in 1816, refused to pay a tax imposed by the maryland state.

in the case, the state of maryland appealed that the establishment of a second bank was unconstitutional since the constitution didn't say anything about granting that power to congress. however, the case determined that even if such right wasn't specifically stated in the constitution, it was part of the "implied powers" of the government enunciated in article i, section 8.

the case also eliminated maryland's legislation to impose taxes to a national bank, asserting that even though the states retained the power of taxation, the constitution's laws are supreme and can not be controlled by the states, therefore, if a state law contradicts the constitution, it should be declared illegal.

explanation:

ok whats to talk about were you scared or what?