Precedent

Definition

A precedent in the context of legal systems is a principle or rule established in a previous legal case that is either binding on or persuasive for a court when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts. Essentially, it guides the judgment of courts by referencing previously settled cases.

Related terms

Common Law:

A legal system where laws are developed based on precedents set by judicial decisions, rather than by statutes or executive actions.

Binding Precedent: A precedent that must be followed by all lower courts in the same jurisdiction under the principle of stare decisis.

Persuasive Precedent: A precedent that a court does not have to follow but can consider as influential when making its decision