judicial precedent (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /dʒʊˈdɪʃəl ˈprɛsɪdənt/
Definition
A judicial precedent is a decision made by a court in a previous case that is used as a guide or basis for deciding similar cases in the future. It is a principle or rule established in a legal case that is used to guide the decision-making process in subsequent cases.
Examples
The Supreme Court's decision in the landmark case set a judicial precedent for future cases involving similar issues.
The judge relied on judicial precedent to make a decision in the current case, citing several previous cases that had established a clear principle.
The judicial precedent established in the earlier case was later overturned by a higher court, changing the legal landscape for similar cases.
How to Use judicial precedent
- set a judicial precedent (verb phrase)
- to establish a principle or rule that will be used to guide future decisions — "The court's decision in the landmark case set a judicial precedent for future cases involving similar issues."
- follow judicial precedent (verb phrase)
- to apply a previously established principle or rule to a current case — "The judge followed judicial precedent in making a decision in the current case, citing several previous cases that had established a clear principle."
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