Precedent Setting Cases

Precedent setting cases are legal rulings in which a court establishes a principle or rule that must be followed in future similar cases. This concept is rooted in common law, where previous decisions guide current and future legal interpretations. For instance, if a higher court decides a significant legal issue, lower courts are obligated to follow that ruling when faced with similar situations. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike. Essentially, these cases help shape the legal landscape and influence the way laws are applied over time.