Precedent - Definition
precedent
adj 1: preceding in time, order, or significance
n 1: an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a
later time [syn: precedent, case in point]
2: (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial
decisions [syn: case law, precedent, common law]
3: 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"
[syn: common law, case law, precedent]
4: a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)