Precedents
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary · Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Authorities to be followed in courts of justice. A term particularly applied to judicial decisions upon points of law arising in any given case.
1 Kent, Comm. 475, 476.
These are recognized in equity as well as at law.
1 Story, Eq. Jur. § 18.
The old books are full of expressions in support of precedents. Jenk. Cent. Cas. viii. See "Stare Decisis." Written forms of proceedings which have been approved by the courts, or by long professional usage, and are to be (usually strictly) followed. Steph. PI.
392.
Lord Bacon observes that there are political as well as legal precedents. Bac. Works, iv.
354, PRECEPT (Lat. precipio, to command).
A writ directed to the sheriif, or other officer, commanding him to do something,