Precedent Definition, Legal Examples & Common Usage

Meaning 1：prior example (precedent)

precedent 🔊

/ˈpres.ɪ.dənt/

something that happened earlier that people use as an example or rule when something similar happens later.

Precedent illustrated by a judge comparing a past case document to a current case file.

prior example 🔊

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/ˈpraɪər ɪɡˈzæm.pəl/

A precedent is an earlier event, decision, or case that is used as an example or rule when dealing with similar situations later.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'praecedens' (going before), from 'prae-' (before) + 'cedere' (to go).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'pre-' means before, 'cedent' like proceed; a precedent proceeds before to set a rule.

📖 Example

The judge ruled in favor of the employee because there was a strong legal precedent supporting her claim in a similar contract dispute. 🔊 The judge supported the employee's claim based on a previous legal case that established a rule for similar disputes.

🔗 Collocations

set a precedent – establish an example for future cases

legal precedent – a past judicial decision used as a rule in law

follow precedent – act in accordance with previous examples

🔄 Synonyms

example (n.) – a case used as a model for others

model (n.) – a standard or example for imitation

standard (n.) – an established rule or basis for comparison

🚫 Antonyms

exception (n.) – a case that does not follow the established rule

innovation (n.) – a new method or idea, not based on past examples

🌱 Derivatives

precedented (adj.) – having a precedent; not novel or unprecedented

unprecedented (adj.) – never done or known before; novel

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'praecedens', meaning 'going before'. In English common law, precedents are past judicial decisions that guide future cases, forming a key part of legal systems.