precedent

/pɹˈɛsɪdənt/ · 3 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
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”
4. a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)

adjective

1. preceding in time, order, or significance

Synonyms for precedent

• case in point
• case law
• common law
• preceding