What is Legal Precedent?

Category: Legal

1Definition

A court decision that establishes a principle or rule that subsequent courts follow when deciding similar cases.

2Context

Foundation of common law systems. Higher court precedents bind lower courts in the same jurisdiction.

3Example

Brown v. Board of Education set the precedent that 'separate but equal' in schools is unconstitutional.

⚠Common Trap

Precedent isn't absolute—courts can overturn their own precedents, as the Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade.

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