In the context of law, precedent refers to the principle that the decision of a higher court on a particular legal issue is binding on lower courts and serves as a legal authority for future cases with similar facts or legal issues. Precedent plays a crucial role in common law systems, where judges base their decisions on previous judicial interpretations and rulings.
Stare decisis: Precedent is closely associated with the doctrine of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided." It is the principle that courts should adhere to established legal principles and follow the decisions of higher courts when deciding similar cases.
Hierarchy of courts: Precedent operates within a hierarchical court system. The decisions of higher courts within the same jurisdiction are binding on lower courts. For example, decisions of the Supreme Court in the United States are binding on all lower federal and state courts. Courts are generally bound by itself but may depart from earlier decisions under exceptional circumstances.
Binding and persuasive precedent: Precedent can be binding or persuasive. Binding precedent refers to decisions that lower courts must follow. It establishes a rule of law that must be applied in subsequent cases with similar facts and legal issues. Persuasive precedent is not binding but can be influential. It includes decisions from other jurisdictions or from lower courts within the same jurisdiction.
Overruling and distinguishing precedent: Precedent is not set in stone and can be modified or overruled. A higher court may overturn a previous decision, either because it was wrongly decided or due to changes in legal or societal circumstances. Distinguishing precedent refers to a court finding that the facts of a current case are sufficiently different from a previous case, allowing the court to reach a different decision.
Precedential value: Precedent provides predictability, consistency, and stability to the legal system. It allows legal principles to develop gradually and provides guidance to judges in deciding cases. However, the application of precedent requires careful consideration of the facts and legal issues of each case, as not all cases are identical.
The role and application of precedent can vary between legal systems. Common law systems, such as those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, heavily rely on precedent, while civil law systems, such as those in continental Europe, place less emphasis on binding precedent and instead focus on codified laws and legal principles.
You can learn more about this topic with our English Legal System notes.
