Precedent
A precedent is a prior judicial decision that may guide or bind a court deciding a later case with similar legal issues. Whether it is binding depends on the court hierarchy, jurisdiction, and the legal issue involved.
A precedent is a prior judicial decision that may guide or bind a court deciding a later case with similar legal issues. Whether it is binding depends on the court hierarchy, jurisdiction, and the legal issue involved.
Example: Miranda v. Arizona (1966) established rules about warnings before custodial interrogation that courts apply in cases within its scope.
Common misconception: Every prior court decision binds every later court forever. Some decisions are persuasive rather than binding, and higher courts can overrule precedent under applicable legal principles.
Sources: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/opinions.aspx; https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/precedent