Precedent
An earlier event, decision, or action that provides a model or justification for future similar cases or actions.
nounPrecedent
An earlier event, decision, or action that provides a model or justification for future similar cases or actions.
nounImagine This
Imagine a court hallway lined with dusty case files. Each file represents a past ruling. The judge points to an old ruling and says, 'We will follow this precedent to decide the current case.' New decisions must align with these earlier examples.
Sounds Like
PRES-uh-dent (sounds like 'president' in many dialects)
Looks Like
resembles 'precede' or shares the root 'preced-' meaning before
Remember This
In law, a precedent is a guiding example for future cases; the doctrine of stare decisis means courts generally follow prior decisions when the facts are similar.
Other Forms
Connect With
model, standard, guideline, benchmark, pattern, template
Note
Do not confuse precedent with precedence. Precedent is an example set by a previous decision; precedence refers to priority in order or importance.