The term "case by case" or "on a case-by-case basis" refers to making decisions, taking action or considering situations individually and not based on general rules or principles. It means that each situation is unique and requires individualized attention and consideration before any decision can be made. The phrase often used in legal contexts when referring to the judge's discretion in sentencing, where different factors are taken into account for each case. In other words, it implies a personalized approach rather than a standard or universal one.