What is a precedent in common law legal systems?
Q: What is a precedent in common law legal systems?
A: A precedent in common law legal systems is a legal case that establishes a principle or rule which is then used by the court or other judicial bodies when deciding later cases with similar issues or facts.
Q: What are the benefits of using precedent?
A: The use of precedent provides predictability, stability, fairness, and efficiency in the law.
Q: What is the Latin term for the doctrine of legal precedent?
A: The Latin term for the doctrine of legal precedent is stare decisis.
Q: When does a decision become known as a landmark decision?
A: A decision becomes known as a landmark decision when it establishes an important legal principle, or represents new or changed law on a particular issue.
Q: In which countries does precedent play an important role in legal analysis and rulings?
A: Precedent plays an important role in legal analysis and rulings in countries that follow common law like the United Kingdom and Canada (except Quebec).
Q: Is precedence binding in all systems?
A: No, precedence is not binding in all systems but may be taken into account by courts.