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 $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

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

The jury's first full week of deliberations ended Friday with the panel sending the judge a query related to calculating damages in the case, which is expected to set a precedent for thousands of similar suits in the United States.

From Barron's

The jury's first full week of deliberations ended with the panel sending the judge a query related to calculating damages in the case, which is expected to set a precedent for thousands of similar suits in the nation.

From Barron's

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