set a precedent

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.

Example Sentences

Human rights groups and former military lawyers warn the decision could set a precedent for unchecked lethal force far beyond U.S. borders.

Read more on Salon

The civil case could set a precedent for holding school officials accountable for shootings on campus.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That decision applied to an old historic district but could set a precedent for the entire island.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We want to set a precedent that prioritizes teen safety while still offering young users opportunities to discover, play and create,” the company said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A council decision to quash a woman's parking fine, following a series of viral videos on TikTok challenging the penalty, was incorrect and "does not set a precedent" for similar fines to be rescinded, the authority has said.

Read more on BBC