Precedent is an earlier event or action that's regarded as a guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. A previous case or legal decision that may be or ( binding precedent ) must be followed in subsequent similar cases. How it relates to the legal system? In a common law system, judges are obliged to make their rulings as consistent as reasonably possible with previous judicial decisions on the same subject. So they look at a case involving the same crime and use the same consequences as that case. As an example- Mary gets behind the wheel of her car to drive home after party in which everyone was drinking heavily. On her way home, Mary’s car crosses the center line and hits another vehicle, seriously injuring its driver. Mary is immediately arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. In this situation pretty much anywhere in the world if it went to court they'd charge anyone for drinking and driving. The judge may use other cases if necessary to figure out the consequences.
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