What does "legal precedent" entail?

Legal precedent refers to a previous court ruling that serves as an authoritative example or rule for similar cases that may arise in the future. When a court encounters a legal question that has already been addressed in a prior decision, it often relies on that previous ruling to guide its judgment. This principle, known as stare decisis, promotes consistency and stability in the law, ensuring that similar disputes are resolved in a similar manner.

In the context of the choices provided, this definition aligns perfectly with the option that describes a previous court ruling being cited in subsequent cases. It highlights the importance of historical judicial decisions in shaping current legal interpretations and outcomes. This ensures that the legal system remains predictable and fair, as it builds on established rulings that have already been analyzed and discussed in court.

Other options, while related to law, do not accurately describe legal precedent. A new law passed by the legislature pertains to statutory law, a directive from a judicial committee refers to internal guidance that may not carry the same weight as a court ruling, and a Constitutional amendment involves changes to the Constitution rather than the application or interpretation of existing laws.