In the context of United States government and particularly relevant for Advanced Placement Government courses, the term signifies a legal principle or rule established in a prior court decision. This principle is then utilized by courts when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts. An example is the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional. This ruling has been consistently applied in later cases to determine the constitutionality of laws at both the federal and state levels.
The concept’s importance stems from its role in ensuring consistency and predictability within the legal system. By adhering to previously established rulings, courts offer stability and fairness in the application of the law. This allows individuals and institutions to understand their rights and obligations more clearly. Furthermore, it provides a framework for legal arguments and judicial decision-making. The historical evolution of legal thought is heavily influenced by the accumulation and refinement of such established rules over time. It allows for legal principles to adapt to changing societal norms and values while maintaining a connection to past legal reasoning.
