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precedent Definition

pre·ced·ent (prē sēd′'nt, pri-; for n. pres′ə dənt)

adjective

that precedes; preceding

Etymology: ME < MFr précédent < L praecedens, prp. of praecedere, to precede

noun prec′·edent

  1. an act, statement, legal decision, case, etc. that may serve as an example, reason, or justification for a later one
  2. a practice based upon earlier precedents

precedent Synonyms

precedent

n.

authoritative example, exemplar, pattern; see criterion, example 1, model 2.

precedent Law Definition

adj

Something that came before, hence preceded the event currently in question, such as a previously decided case. It may serve as a model for the interpretation of a law, or disposition as a case.
precedent Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • set: For over 30 years, Compass Gallery has set a precedent of visiting all the Scottish Degree shows.
  • cite: He said he has no intention of revealing the names of his confidential sources, citing journalistic precedent.
  • establish: Have any test cases established precedents for the points I have raised?
  • create: The case has created a precedent upon which many men around the world may seek similar compensation.
  • constitute: The Law Reports is the most authoritative series for published reports of cases which constitute binding precedents in English law.
  • follow: Following the precedent of St John's House, St Thomas's had two sorts of trainees.

Converse of subject

  • bind: Appeal panels are not bound by precedent or by any notional percentage of appeals which they must uphold in parents ' favor.

Adjective modifier

  • dangerous: Whether or not the merger works better without Mr Green, the method of his disposal is a dangerous precedent.
  • worrying: Paul Tully, general secretary of SPUC, said: " This move represents a very worrying precedent.
  • judicial: Hitherto, the categories of class claims have developed largely as a matter of judicial precedent.
  • historical: Speech [ in the House of Commons ] in favor of the Union, alleging historical precedents for the union of kingdoms.
  • binding: A decision of a VT does not create a binding precedent that has to be followed in other similar cases.
  • biblical: There are no biblical precedents or helps for us.

Noun used with modifier

  • condition: New leases are likely also to contain conditions precedent that must be met prior to assignment.

Preposition: in

  • history: The notion of beauty being equated with God and God being present in nature does have a precedent in the history of art.
  • relation: It would create a dangerous precedent in international relations.
  • law: For those children under 16 there is precedent in case law governing consent to treatment.

Preposition: for

  • rest: This to a large extent sets a precedent for the rest of the exhibition.
  • future: Perhaps most importantly, it may set a precedent for the future.
  • situation: Would this set a precedent for situations such as this?
precedent Quotes

A land of settled government, A land of just and old renown, Where Freedom slowly broadens down From precedent to precedent.

—Tennyson