prec·e·dent   (prěs'ĭ-dənt)    n.   An act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances. Law A judicial decision that may be used as a standard in subsequent similar cases: a landmark decision that set a legal precedent. Convention or custom arising from long practice: The President followed historical precedent in forming the Cabinet. adj.   (prĭ-sēd'nt, prěs'ĭ-dənt) Preceding. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praecēdēns, praecēdent-, present participle of praecēdere, to go before; see precede.]

precedent [(press-uh-duhnt)]

A previous ruling by a court that influences subsequent decisions in cases with similar issues.

precedent  (n.)

Main Entry: pre·ce·dent
Pronunciation: pri-'sEd-^&nt, 'pre-s&d-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin praecedent- praecedens, present participle of praecedere to go ahead of, come before
: prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance —see also condition precedent at CONDITION —compare SUBSEQUENT

precedent

see set a precedent.

precedent

in law, a judgment or decision of a court that is cited in a subsequent dispute as an example or analogy to justify deciding a similar case or point of law in the same manner. Common law and equity, as found in English and American legal systems, rely strongly on the body of established precedents, although in the original development of equity the court theoretically had freedom from precedent. At the end of the 19th century, the principle of stare decisis (Latin: "let the decision stand") became rigidly accepted in England. In the United States the principle of precedent is strong, though higher courts-particularly the Supreme Court of the United States-may review and overturn earlier precedents.

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