Judge Judy rules on a dispute in her state of New York. A case in a Connecticut has the exact same facts, in which Judge Joe Brown has to make a decision. Judge Joe Brown, when referring to Judge Judy's case:

a$)$ Would have to seek guidance on whether or not she must follow it from a higher court in her jurisdiction

b$)$ Would need to seek guidance from a federal court in order to determine if she is obligated to follow Judge PearIman's ruling

c$)$ Must follow the case as precedent

d$)$ May be influenced by the ruling but is not obligated to follow it

e$)$ Must follow the case as precedent but only if the law is exactly the same in her state