Binding Precedent (Noun)

Definition:  A binding precedent refers to a decision made by a judge which must be applied in a later case subject to certain rules. We say that this decision is binding on or upon other judges or that other judges are bound by this precedent. MISTAKE ALERT!: An important point to note is the spelling. Precedent is spelt PRECEDENT. Don’t confuse precedent with precedence spelt P R E C E D E N C E or with presidents P R E S I D E N T S

Example: The Supreme Court’s decision set a binding precedent.

This word features in Episode 32 of the Study Legal English Podcast.