Persuasive Authority

Persuasive authority refers to legal decisions or principles from previous cases that, while not strictly binding, influence how courts interpret the law in similar situations. Think of it as a strong recommendation based on well-reasoned past rulings that help guide judges when making decisions, especially in cases where there's no clear rule. It’s different from binding authority, which must be followed, but persuasive authority can still be influential in shaping legal outcomes by providing valuable reasoning and context.