Tom, a paralegal, is researching state law involving private adoptions. He comes across a case on "all fours" from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case that Tom found would be a_______ authority.

A) binding
B) primary
C) persuasive
D) secondary

Ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals

A U.S. federal court with appellate jurisdiction over the district courts in several western states and territories.

Binding Authority

A source of law or precedent that a court or other body must follow, such as statutes or higher court decisions.

Persuasive Authority

Sources of law, such as cases from other jurisdictions or legal texts, which an appellate court may consider but is not obliged to follow.