precedential

American  

[pres-i-den-shuhl] / ˌprɛs ɪˈdɛn ʃəl /

adjective

1. of the nature of or constituting a precedent.

2. having precedence.

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precedential British  

/ ˌprɛsɪˈdɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or serving as a precedent

2. having precedence

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Other Word Forms

• nonprecedential adjective
• precedentially adverb
• unprecedential adjective

Etymology

Origin of precedential

First recorded in 1635–45; precedent + -ial

Example Sentences

“Trial court decisions have no precedential value in California; they bind the parties but not another court,” noted James Fischer, an insurance law expert and professor at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

“At this point, Zafirov is a district court decision without precedential value,” wrote two corporate lawyers in a recent analysis.

From Los Angeles Times

She countered that the Supreme Court has never issued a precedential ruling on the matter and said the Constitution didn’t envision deadlines.

From Washington Times

“Moreover, the office treats its prior memos as precedential — so understanding war powers law requires understanding these prior memos. Yet, until now, no one else has been able to see them.”

From New York Times

“This is a precedential system which goes both ways — if you win or lose — and sends a signal to the market,” Ms. Allensworth said.

From New York Times