Law
The Role of Precedent in Common Law Reasoning
Quick fact
In common law systems, a single court decision can become binding law for thousands of future cases, and a precedent can remain in force for centuries until overruled by a higher court.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why a judge's decision in one case can force other judges to follow it, even if they disagree? That's the power of precedent—the engine of common law reasoning.