Legal Definitions - authoritative precedent

Authoritative precedent refers to a legal principle or ruling established by a higher court that lower courts within the same jurisdiction *must* follow when deciding cases with similar facts or legal issues. It is also commonly known as binding precedent because it legally binds the lower courts, compelling them to adhere to the prior decision. This concept is fundamental to the legal system's goal of consistency, predictability, and fairness, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike.

• Example 1: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Constitutional Rights

  Imagine the U.S. Supreme Court issues a landmark decision clarifying the scope of free speech rights under the First Amendment, ruling that certain types of online expression are protected. This ruling becomes an authoritative precedent for all federal and state courts across the United States. When a lower federal court or a state court later hears a case involving similar online expression, it is legally obligated to apply the Supreme Court's interpretation of free speech, even if the lower court judges personally disagree with the reasoning.

• Example 2: State Supreme Court Interpretation of State Law

  Suppose the highest court in a particular state rules on how a specific state environmental protection statute should be interpreted regarding corporate liability for pollution. This decision establishes an authoritative precedent for all other courts within that state, including trial courts and intermediate appellate courts. If a county court later presides over a case involving a company accused of violating the same environmental statute, it must follow the state supreme court's interpretation of the law when determining liability, ensuring uniform application of state law throughout the jurisdiction.

• Example 3: Federal Circuit Court of Appeals Decision

  A federal Court of Appeals for a specific circuit (e.g., the Ninth Circuit) issues a ruling on how a particular federal immigration regulation should be applied in asylum cases. This decision creates an authoritative precedent for all federal district courts located within that Ninth Circuit. Any district court judge in California, Arizona, or other states within the Ninth Circuit who hears an asylum case involving that regulation must follow the Court of Appeals' interpretation, even if other federal circuits have ruled differently on the same issue.