Outdated Precedent
/ˌaʊtˈdeɪtɪd ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial decision or legal precedent that is no longer considered authoritative or persuasive due to changes in law, societal values, or subsequent rulings.
The court chose not to follow the outdated precedent in its latest ruling.
Forms
- outdated precedents
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Outdated precedent often arises when higher courts have supplanted earlier decisions; drafters should verify the current authority of cited cases to avoid reliance on obsolete law.
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.