precedent in civil law

In civil law, precedent refers to previous court decisions that serve as a guide for resolving similar cases in the future. While civil law systems typically emphasize written laws and statutes over case law, courts may still consult prior rulings to ensure consistency and fairness. These decisions influence judges’ reasoning but are not strictly binding like they are in common law systems. Essentially, precedent provides a framework that helps judges interpret laws, promote predictability, and uphold the rule of law in civil disputes.