Precedent

1. noun

   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”

   Similar: common law, case law

2. noun

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

   Similar: case in point

3. noun

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

   Similar: case law, common law

4. noun

   a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)