doctrine of precedence

The doctrine of precedent is a legal principle where courts follow past court decisions (precedents) to ensure consistency and stability in the law. When a higher court makes a ruling on a legal issue, lower courts are generally required to follow that decision in future cases with similar facts. This creates a common standard, making the law predictable and fair. However, courts can sometimes distinguish or overturn precedents when circumstances change or the law evolves. Overall, precedent helps maintain coherence in the legal system by building on previous rulings.