precedent
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈpresɪdənt/ us LAW
a previous action or decision that can be used as a reason for allowing something else:
The ruling can serve as a precedent to challenge other similar cases.
A judgement against the fund could set a precedent for compensation payments to more of its 6,000 investors.
This is an experiment without precedent in economic history.
a bad/dangerous/good precedent This law sets a very dangerous precedent for all businesses.
create/establish/provide a precedent
a legal precedent
base sth on/follow a precedent
See also
condition precedent