PRECEDENT

(noun) an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
synonyms : case in point
“Let this man’s execution serve as a precedent to anyone who dares to revolt against me”, bellowed the king. -added by naila_inlas
(noun) (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
synonyms : case law , common law
The lawyer told his client that he would have to look up some precedents to be able to argue the case better. -added by naila_inlas
(noun) a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
John remembered the precedent and carefully avoided bringing it up again. -added by naila_inlas
(noun) 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"
synonyms : case law , common law
We had to follow the precedents instead of the laws. -added by naila_inlas
(adj.) preceding in time, order, or significance
The precedent law decided the case. -added by naila_inlas

Mnemonics for precedent

(Tag: ) precedent == pre(before)+ cedent(incedent), an incident happened before which will decide the following incedent.
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(Tag: english) precedent = PRECEDE + eveNT. an event that preceds (comes before)
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