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Raisakatyal
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Would love to hear an expert's take on this question .
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I also chose (E) because if it is true that "it is unusual for a judge to ignore case law, even if it does not give a clear outcome", the author's assertion that "when deciding a case in which case law does not lead to a clear outcome, a judge should only consider the effects on the two parties before him or her in court " cannot stand. The two statements are virtually mutually exclusive.
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I also chose (E) because if it is true that "it is unusual for a judge to ignore case law, even if it does not give a clear outcome", the author's assertion that "when deciding a case in which case law does not lead to a clear outcome, a judge should only consider the effects on the two parties before him or her in court " cannot stand. The two statements are virtually mutually exclusive.

I would like to start by thanking you for all the explanations you post on GMAT club , they have helped me a lot in my preparation.

Here is my take on why option E could be wrong. I think the word "unusual" plays a huge role in this option because it gives the impression that you don't see this happening very often but maybe in very rare cases its been done.
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The answer choice that casts the most doubt on the argument is A) A judge’s decision in a novel case will act as law for all similar cases in the future. This is because it introduces the idea that judges need to consider the broader implications of their decisions on future cases, not just the immediate effects on the parties before them. This directly challenges the conclusion that judges should focus solely on the two parties involved.

 
Raisakatyal
Judges are required to decide in favor of one party or the other in cases that come before them in court. In most cases, judges rely on case law and the facts of the case. When deciding a case in which case law does not lead to a clear outcome, a judge should only consider the effects on the two parties before him or her in court since those parties are most directly affected by the judge’s decision.

Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the conclusion of the argument?

A) A judge’s decision in a novel case will act as law for all similar cases in the future.
B) Any decision made by a judge is subject to reversal upon appeal.
C) The way that a judge will decide a case cannot always be determined by looking at the facts of the case.
D) The parties involved in a case are typically only concerned with winning the case.
E) It is unusual for a judge to ignore case law, even if it does not give a clear outcome.
­
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­Here the passage is suggesting about a method that should be used by judges to make a decision when law does not lead to clear outcomes, according to the author. The method is to consider the effect on the two parties and make a decision.

Now, Option A is correct because it talks about the narrow nautre of such a decision as it only considers the effect of the decision on the parties. This kind of decision can be used in future a similar case where the outcome of law is clear but the former case can be misused. Hence OA casts the most doubt on the author's method or conclusion to take a decision.

Option E is incorrect because, it states that it is only unusual for a judge to ignore case law. But that doesn't mean that the author's method is bad. It might be unusual but it might also be an accurate method at the same time, it does not cast any doubt.­ 
OE states about ignoring the case law. But the autor is saying "when case law does not lead anywhere", it does not talk about ignorance at all. The judge is not ignoring anything.
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Hello from the GMAT Club VerbalBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

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