set a precedent

Idioms  

1. Establish a usage, tradition, or standard to be followed in the future. For example, He set a precedent by having the chaplain lead the academic procession. The word precedent here signifies a previous instance or legal decision upon which future instances are based, a usage dating from the early 1400s. In British and American law it more specifically refers to a legal decision that may be used as a standard in subsequent cases.

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Example Sentences

The MP is seeking damages but also wants to set a precedent for companies to be liable for the design of AI systems.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Supporters are hoping the vote will set a precedent for the rest of the region, where residents are fighting proposals in Vernon and City of Industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

The $6 million verdict may set a precedent for over 2,000 federal cases and thousands of state lawsuits against social media firms.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

However, how the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen handled the Red Sea passage last year could set a precedent, maritime analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Mrs. Gascoyne said they didn’t want to treat me differently from everyone else in the school because then everyone would want to be treated differently and it would set a precedent.

From "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon