Legal Precedent
/ˈliːgəl ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial decision that serves as an authoritative rule for future cases with similar issues or facts.
The court's ruling established a legal precedent that lower courts must follow.
Related terms
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Commentary
Legal precedent is central to common law systems; drafting should clarify whether a precedent is binding or persuasive.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.