Origin: Latin prefix pre-
Precedent has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:
an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
"The company refused to lower prices again, arguing that doing so would set a bad precedent for future negotiations."
(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
"The judge ruled that the new case must follow the precedent set in similar rulings from ten years ago to ensure consistency under civil law."
a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
"common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
"She raised her hand to speak before anyone else, breaking the usual precedent of letting the moderator introduce all participants first."
An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
"The judge ruled that since no prior case established a right to compensation for emotional distress, there was no legal precedent to support the plaintiff's claim."
To provide precedents for.
"The Supreme Court's ruling provided a clear precedent for future cases involving digital privacy rights."
preceding in time, order, or significance
"The new policy was groundbreaking because it set a precedent for future regulations by prioritizing environmental protection over economic growth."
Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
"The committee decided to follow the precedent set by their last meeting and vote on the budget first before discussing personnel changes."
The word precedent comes from the Latin verb praecedere, which means "to go before." It entered English through Middle French and Old French, retaining its original sense of something that comes prior to other events.