Stale Precedent
/ˈsteɪl ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial decision whose authority is diminished by subsequent legal developments, changing circumstances, or lapses in time, rendering it less persuasive or binding.
The court declined to follow the stale precedent as it no longer aligned with current law.
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Commentary
Stale precedent often arises when courts confront rulings made under obsolete social, economic, or legal conditions, highlighting the importance of temporal context in precedent analysis.
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.