1. (

• precedent ,
• case_in_point

) an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time ;

2. (

• case_law ,
• precedent ,
• common_law

) (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions ;

3. (

• common_law ,
• case_law ,
• precedent

) 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. (

• precedent ,

) a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time) ;

1. (

• precedent

) preceding in time, order, or significance ;