All 4 Uses of
precedent
in
Gulliver's Travels
- Whether they had ever, at different times, pleaded for and against the same cause, and cited precedents to prove contrary opinions?†
Chpt 2 *
- As to the decision of civil causes, or proceedings against criminals, their precedents are so few, that they have little reason to boast of any extraordinary skill in either.†
Chpt 2
- These, under the name of precedents, they produce as authorities to justify the most iniquitous opinions; and the judges never fail of directing accordingly.†
Chpt 4
- For instance, in the case already mentioned; they never desire to know what claim or title my adversary has to my cow; but whether the said cow were red or black; her horns long or short; whether the field I graze her in be round or square; whether she was milked at home or abroad; what diseases she is subject to, and the like; after which they consult precedents, adjourn the cause from time to time, and in ten, twenty, or thirty years, come to an issue.†
Chpt 4
Definition:
-
(precedent as in: sets a precedent) an example from a prior time -- typically used to justify similar occurrences at a later time (especially a judicial decision)