Definition of Precedent

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example

Examples of Precedent in a sentence

The judges had no precedent to review before making their decision on the controversial case. 🔊

When the court voted in favor of same-sex marriage, it had no idea of the precedent it was setting for future generations. 🔊

The committee will search for a precedent to help it determine the next course of action. 🔊

Without a game precedent to consider, the referee did not know what steps to take after the incident. 🔊

Since there is no precedent upon which to base a decision, the school board must decide on its own how to handle the urgent need to close six schools. 🔊

Because the judge was concerned about setting a negative precedent, he took his time settling upon a verdict in the civil case. 🔊

The cable company’s choice to go green with all its billing statements has become a precedent which most of its competitors are now following. 🔊

When the local radio station set the precedent of not playing any music containing profanity, other stations within the state began to set similar requirements for their playlists. 🔊

By examining the precedent set in the 1971 case of Peterson vs. Henderson, the court can determine the validity of the evidence in this particular matter. 🔊

The court’s decision on online taxation sets a much-needed precedent in the relatively new area of ecommerce. 🔊

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