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- DictionaryPrec·e·dent
noun
- 1. an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances: "there are substantial precedents for using interactive media in training"
adjective
- 1. preceding in time, order, or importance: "a precedent case"
A precedent is something that precedes, or comes before. The Supreme Court relies on precedents—that is, earlier laws or decisions that provide some example or rule to guide them in the case they're actually deciding.
a previous action, situation, or decision that can be used as a reason or example for a similar action or decision at a later time: [ C ] Conditions have changed enormously, and the past is not much of a precedent. [ U ] Precedent indicated that a change would take place sooner rather than later.
noun. Law. a legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar or analogous cases. any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations. Synonyms: standard, pattern, model, example.
a previous action, situation, or decision that can be used as a reason or example for a similar action or decision at a later time: [ C ] Conditions have changed enormously, and the past is not much of a precedent. [ U ] Precedent indicated that a change would take place sooner rather than later.
A precedent is something that sets a standard for future events. It's hard to say what the legal community would do without the word precedent, since so many legal judgments and decisions are based on what came before.
[countable, uncountable]an official action or decision that has happened in the past and that is seen as an example or a rule to be followed in a similar situation later. The ruling set a precedent for future libel cases. Extra Examples. Overturning a legal precedent is no easy matter.
Aug 4, 2015 · In the modern legal system, the term precedent refers to a rule, or principle of law, that has been established by a previous ruling by a court of higher authority, such as an appeals court, or a supreme court.
PRECEDENT meaning: 1 : a similar action or event that happened at an earlier time; 2 : something done or said that can be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future.
If there is a precedent for an action or event, it has happened before, and this can be regarded as an argument for doing it again. The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with similar cases.
Something that has occurred before, in terms of time, arrangement, order, or importance. A ruling made by a court that is used as an example for making decisions in similar future cases.
