pre
ce
dent
Plural
precedents
1
a topic or matter that has been previously discussed or addressed
- In our discussions, we always refer back to the precedent set by our previous decisions to maintain consistency.
- The team's approach to problem-solving follows the precedent established in our earlier projects.
- When drafting company policies, we consider the precedent of successful initiatives implemented by industry leaders.
- Our family's tradition of volunteering together sets a positive precedent for community involvement.
- The school's dress code policy was implemented based on the precedent of standards set by similar educational institutions.
2
an earlier event, action, or decision that serves as a model or justification for similar situations in the future
- Her success set a precedent for other women in the industry.
- The company's decision created a precedent for handling future disputes.
- Such a move would break all previous precedents.
- The award serves as a precedent for recognizing community service.
- This is the first precedent of its kind in our organization.
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3
a legal principle or rule created by a previous court decision, used as a guide in deciding similar future cases
- The judge relied on a precedent set in an earlier trial.
- This ruling could become an important precedent for environmental law.
- Lawyers cited a precedent from the Supreme Court to support their argument.
- The case established a precedent that shaped contract law.
- Breaking from established precedent is rare in the judicial system.
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4
a legal framework where principles and rulings from previous court decisions form the basis of law, rather than written statutes
- Common law is built on precedent rather than codified statutes.
- In precedent-based systems, judges interpret past rulings to resolve current disputes.
- Civil law jurisdictions may use precedent, but rely more heavily on written codes.
- The legal system values precedent to maintain stability and predictability.
- Precedent-driven jurisprudence evolves through case-by-case interpretation.
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