Legal Precedent
Legal precedent refers to previous court decisions that influence future cases with similar circumstances. When a court makes a ruling, it sets a guideline that lower courts must follow to maintain consistency in the law. This principle, known as "stare decisis," ensures that similar cases are treated alike, promoting fairness and predictability in the legal system. For example, if a court rules on a specific legal issue, that ruling serves as a reference for future cases, helping judges make informed decisions based on established law.
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Legal precedent refers to the principle where courts follow the rulings and interpretations established in previous judicial decisions when resolving similar cases. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law, as courts base their judgments on established legal principles. When a higher court issues a ruling, lower courts typically adhere to that decision in future cases to maintain uniformity in the legal system. This practice also allows for the gradual development of the law, adapting to new circumstances while respecting prior judgments.