Dictionary Check: precedent
"precedent" is a valid word!
Scrabble
14
points
Words with Friends
17
points
Definition
adjective
preceding in time, order, or significance
noun
an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
noun
(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
noun
a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
Example:
"common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
noun
a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
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