PRECEDENT • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Precedent

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/prˈɛsɪdənt/ Listen

Precedent

noun

An example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time. Synonym: case in point.

(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions. Synonyms: case law, common law.

A system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws. Synonyms: case law, common law.

A subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time).

adjective

Preceding in time, order, or significance.

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Etymology of 'Precedent'

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"Precedent" Quotes from Famous Books

... and Mrs. Mumbles were determined that the christening should be conducted upon a scale of all conceivable splendour. There was no precedent for it, but then there was less likelihood of any mistake or more room for the fancy. But a gothic christening it was to be—a gothic christening it should be—a gothic christening it ...

— Forgotten Tales of Long Ago • E. V. Lucas

... my house thither and back again, which is very strange. One of my chief errands was to speak to Sir W. Clerke about my wife's brother, who importunes me, and I doubt he do want mightily, but I can do little for him there as to employment in the army, and out of my purse I dare not for fear of a precedent, and letting him come often to me is troublesome and dangerous too, he living in the dangerous part of the town, but I will do what I can possibly for him and as soon as I can. Mightily troubled all this afternoon with masters coming to me about Bills of Exchange and my signing them ...

— Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete • Samuel Pepys

... "I made some studies when I could get the books, but they didn't take me far. In fact, I imagine that in this neighborhood there's very little law and much precedent, which has generally been interpreted for the landlord's advantage. There are old Barony laws and Manor rights, and my notion is that nobody knows exactly how he stands. But we'll let this go. If Railton pays his fine, you will have some trouble ...

— The Buccaneer Farmer - Published In England Under The Title "Askew's Victory" • Harold Bindloss

... particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for, though this in one instance may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free Governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any ...

— Washington's Birthday • Various

... our readers informed as to the progress of this enterprise, which has no precedent in the annals ...

— Five Weeks in a Balloon • Jules Verne

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